taking a hit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking a hit" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe experiencing a loss, setback, or negative impact, often in a financial or emotional context. Example: "After the market crash, many investors found themselves taking a hit on their portfolios."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now steamed buns are taking a hit.

The New York Times

Manufacturing is taking a hit.

The New York Times

"L.A. is taking a hit.

The New York Times

Even the oxslips are taking a hit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But it's also true that we're all taking a hit".

The New York Times

Weeks or cards?" "Same, same," Mark says, taking a hit.

The New Yorker

Psychoanalysis was also taking a hit within the medical community.

The New Yorker

One player who is not worried about his portfolio taking a hit is Foster.

The New York Times

"I can't afford taking a hit like this all the time".

The New York Times

Many emerging market currencies are taking a hit as investors flee risky investments.

The New York Times

But, he said, he did mind taking a hit for the country's woes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "taking a hit", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being negatively affected. For example, specify whether it's profits, reputation, or physical health.

Common error

While "taking a hit" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overuse in formal reports or academic writing. Opt for more precise language like "experiencing a decline" or "suffering a loss" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Taking a hit" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It indicates that a subject is experiencing a negative impact or suffering a loss. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

15%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking a hit" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe experiencing a setback, loss, or negative impact. Ludwig AI validates its widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and media, it is versatile across neutral and professional contexts but less suited for highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives include "suffering a loss" or "experiencing a decline", offering more precise language depending on the context. Be mindful of the setting to ensure the most appropriate expression is used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffering a loss

Directly indicates a reduction or absence of something valuable, often in a quantifiable sense.

experiencing a setback

Emphasizes the idea of a temporary obstacle or reversal in progress, rather than a direct loss.

feeling the pinch

Describes experiencing hardship or difficulty, often due to financial constraints.

facing a downturn

Implies a decline in condition or performance, particularly in economic or business contexts.

absorbing the impact

Focuses on the capacity to withstand and mitigate the effects of a negative event.

bearing the brunt

Suggests enduring the main force or impact of something negative.

seeing a decline

Indicates a gradual decrease or deterioration in a specific area.

enduring a hardship

Highlights the prolonged and challenging nature of the negative experience.

encountering adversity

Broadly refers to facing challenging or unfavorable circumstances.

undergoing a trial

Frames the negative experience as a test of resilience and strength.

FAQs

What does "taking a hit" mean?

The phrase "taking a hit" generally means experiencing a setback, loss, or negative impact. It can refer to financial losses, damage to reputation, or physical harm.

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

You can use "taking a hit" to describe something experiencing a negative impact. For example: "The company's profits are "suffering a loss" this quarter", or "His health is "experiencing a setback" after the accident."

What are some alternatives to "taking a hit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "suffering a loss", "experiencing a setback", or "facing a downturn".

Is "taking a hit" appropriate for formal writing?

While "taking a hit" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives such as "experiencing a decline" or "incurring a loss".