takes a hit

USAGE SUMMARY

"takes a hit" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to suffer a negative consequence or setback. Example: The company's stock prices took a hit after the CEO's scandal was revealed. Another example: The company's reputation took a hit after the product recall.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In their plan, everybody takes a hit.

The New York Times

Our self-worth takes a hit.

The New York Times - Sports

Even the Smithsonian Museum takes a hit.

The Guardian - Film

Rakeem takes a hit from the bowl.

The New York Times - Magazine

He takes a hit of coffee.

The Guardian - Film

But the notoriously tolerant image of the Dutch takes a hit in Kuper's book.

The New York Times

Cycling takes a hit: £23m of the money promised to boost cycling cities won't be spent.

The Guardian

Inevitably, in New York-based disaster films, the Statue of Liberty takes a hit.

The New Yorker

"I don't see any bad side, unless the economy takes a hit," Schoose said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Every time there is bad news, the brand takes a hit".

The New York Times

Steyn then takes a hit on the glove from Finn and calls for treatment.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes a hit" when you want to succinctly express that something or someone has suffered a negative impact or setback. It's suitable for various contexts, from business to personal situations.

Common error

Avoid using "takes a hit" for minor inconveniences. This phrase implies a significant negative consequence, so ensure the situation warrants such a strong description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes a hit" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something or someone experiences a negative impact or setback. As shown in Ludwig examples, its meaning can vary depending on context, ranging from financial losses to damage to reputation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes a hit" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a negative impact or setback. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely understood and accepted in written English. Analysis of Ludwig examples indicates that the phrase is used most frequently in news and media contexts, followed by science and wiki articles. While acceptable in most situations, more formal alternatives such as "suffers a setback" may be preferable in highly professional settings. When using "takes a hit", ensure that the context warrants the description of a significant negative impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffers a setback

Replaces "hit" with a more formal term, emphasizing the negative impact on progress.

experiences a decline

Focuses on the downward trend or reduction in quality or quantity.

is negatively impacted

A more passive and formal way of expressing a negative effect.

endures a loss

Highlights the negative consequence of losing something valuable.

sees a downturn

Describes a negative shift in a business or economic context.

faces a disadvantage

Emphasizes the creation of an unfavorable position or situation.

is dealt a blow

Conveys a sudden and forceful negative impact.

bears the brunt

Implies enduring the worst part of a negative impact.

comes under pressure

Focuses on external forces causing difficulty or stress.

gets hammered

An informal way to say something suffered greatly.

FAQs

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

You can use "takes a hit" to describe a negative impact on something. For example, "The company's profits "takes a hit" during the recession" or "His reputation "takes a hit" after the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "takes a hit"?

Alternatives to "takes a hit" include "suffers a setback", "experiences a decline", or "is negatively impacted", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "takes a hit" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "takes a hit" might be considered less formal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "suffers a setback" or "experiences a decline" to maintain a more professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says something "takes a hit"?

When someone says something ""takes a hit"", it means that it experiences a negative impact, setback, or decline. The severity of the "hit" can vary depending on the context.