take a hit

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a hit" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means to suffer some sort of loss or negative consequence. For example: "The company had to take a hit when the stock market crashed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Farmers will take a hit as well.

The New York Times

Executive bonuses may also take a hit.

The New York Times

Preventive health will also take a hit.

The Guardian

"Tough guys can't take a hit.

The New Yorker

Opera singers still occasionally take a hit.

The New York Times

We will take a hit.

The Guardian - Opinion

She can take a hit.

The Guardian - Film

Scott Walker did not take a hit.

The Guardian

Accuracy may take a hit, though.

The New York Times - Tech

Living standards will take a hit.

The Guardian - Business

Montreal's tourist reputation could take a hit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a hit" to concisely describe a loss or negative impact in various contexts, such as finance, sports, or personal life.

Common error

Avoid using "take a hit" in contexts where a literal physical impact is intended; the phrase is primarily used to describe figurative losses or setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a hit" functions as an idiomatic expression to describe the experience of suffering a loss, setback, or negative impact. Ludwig AI indicates that it is commonly used in various contexts to convey this meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "take a hit" is a very common expression used to describe experiencing a loss, setback, or negative impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is suitable for both informal and formal settings, it's crucial to avoid literal interpretations. Consider alternatives like "suffer a setback" or "endure a loss" for nuanced communication. Remember that the past participle form, "taken a hit", is used with perfect tenses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffer a setback

Focuses on the negative impact of an event, highlighting a temporary impediment.

endure a loss

Emphasizes the experience of losing something valuable or important.

absorb a blow

Highlights the act of receiving and withstanding a negative impact.

experience adversity

Describes facing challenging or unfavorable conditions.

face repercussions

Focuses on the consequences of an action or event.

feel the pinch

Highlights the experience of financial hardship or constraint.

encounter difficulty

Broadly indicates facing problems or challenges.

bear the brunt

Emphasizes being the primary recipient of a negative impact.

undergo damage

Focuses on the physical or abstract harm experienced.

sustain impairment

Highlights a reduction in function or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "take a hit" in a sentence?

You can use "take a hit" to describe experiencing a loss or negative impact. For example, "The company will "take a hit" if sales decline".

What are some alternatives to "take a hit"?

Alternatives include "suffer a setback", "endure a loss", or "absorb a blow", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "taken a hit" instead of "take a hit"?

Yes, "taken a hit" is the past participle form and is correct in sentences using perfect tenses, such as "The market has "taken a hit" recently".

What does it mean when someone says morale is going to "take a hit"?

It means that people's spirits and enthusiasm are expected to decrease, often due to negative events or decisions. This implies a decline in overall positivity and motivation.