strong blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'strong blow' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a powerful force, such as the wind or a physical action. For example, "The boxer delivered a strong blow to his opponent's chin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The turmoil in the Netherlands may also land a strong blow against the orthodoxy.

The New York Times

Coco Brown wouldn't mind if all the McMansions disappeared, and his development strikes a welcome and strong blow for the besieged forces of modernism.

The New Yorker

Havlat's first two goals gave the bankrupt Senators a chance to deal a strong blow against the rich Stars, whose payroll is twice as big.

The New York Times - Sports

"The sea lions, including 13 pups, died because of a strong blow from someone," said Mr. Carrión, who added that authorities found no other killed animals but stepped up patrols of the islands.

The New York Times

While Osama bin Laden, the founder and inspirational leader of Al Qaeda, may still be alive and in hiding, the capture of Mr. Mohammed should deal a strong blow to the operational capacities of the global terror network.

The New York Times

"The arrests have dealt a strong blow to the terrorist organisation, as they dismantle the leadership responsible for managing the arsenal of weapons and explosives that belong to Eta".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

They retreated after strong blows dealt to them during a five day siege".

The Guardian

"Shortly after he entered his apartment the defendant administered strong blows to the victim, especially around her right eye," the ruling said.

The Guardian

Last week, the Constitutional Court, which was pronounced dead when its ranks were expanded and packed with government supporters earlier in the year, lumbered back to life with three new decisions that appeared to deal strong blows to the Fidesz government.

The New York Times

The companion of a woman whose son died after being beaten last month admitted that she had delivered at least three strong blows while giving him a bath after he had soiled himself, according to papers filed in court yesterday.

The New York Times

That location suggests that glyptodonts indeed evolved to land strong blows with their sweet spots.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strong blow", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended level of impact or severity. Alternatives like "significant setback" or "powerful impact" might be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "strong blow" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to convey the specific nature of the impact, such as "substantial repercussion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong blow" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb. Ludwig shows that it describes an impactful event or action, whether physical or metaphorical.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strong blow" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to denote a forceful impact or significant setback. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, writers should consider the formality of their writing and select more precise vocabulary when necessary. Alternatives such as "significant setback" or "powerful impact" may offer greater nuance depending on the specific situation. The phrase is versatile, but careful consideration of the context will ensure its most effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerful impact

Focuses on the force of the impact rather than the action itself.

significant setback

Emphasizes the negative consequences of the blow.

major hit

A more informal way of expressing a significant negative impact.

forceful strike

Highlights the aggressive or impactful nature of the blow.

heavy impact

Indicates a substantial and forceful effect.

severe jolt

Implies a sudden and disruptive impact.

considerable shock

Focuses on the surprising or unsettling nature of the event.

substantial shock

Highlights the significance of the event in terms of its magnitude.

notable setback

Stresses the remarkableness or memorability of the event.

major reverse

Highlights the change in direction caused by the blow.

FAQs

How can I use "strong blow" in a sentence?

You can use "strong blow" to describe a forceful impact, a significant setback, or a powerful action that causes harm or disruption. For example, "The economic crisis dealt a "strong blow" to small businesses."

What is a synonym for "strong blow"?

Synonyms for "strong blow" include "powerful impact", "significant setback", or "major hit". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "strong blow" formal or informal?

"Strong blow" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in news articles or general writing. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "substantial setback" or "considerable impact".

Can "strong blow" be used in a positive context?

While "strong blow" often implies a negative impact, it can occasionally be used in a positive context to describe a powerful or decisive action. However, this usage is less common. For example, one might say "The new policy struck a "strong blow" against poverty", but this would be less conventional than using it to describe a negative event.