took a blow

USAGE SUMMARY

"took a blow" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to either physical or emotional pain suffered by someone, often as a result of their own actions. For example, "The news took a blow to her spirits as she realized how difficult the situation was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clinton's lead – substantial at that point – took a blow.

The Guardian

He recalled about 10 separate instances in which he took a blow to the head.

The New York Times - Sports

And Harris's backup, Ryan Fowler, took a blow to the head.

The New York Times - Sports

The company's sterling reputation for customer service took a blow when those duties were shifted overseas.

The New York Times - Tech

The Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy took a blow with Hillary Clinton's collapse.

The Washington Post

But the Yankees' hopes of catching the Red Sox in the American League East took a blow Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

"More recently," he added, "it's possible that business confidence also took a blow because of the escalating sovereign debt crisis".

The New York Times

THE prospects of Cyprus's reunification and of Turkey joining the European Union both took a blow this week.

The Economist

The French started as if they had not gotten the message and rapidly took a blow straight to the chin.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, he said, memory took a blow, and it has taken another one with the coming of the handheld device.

The New Yorker

Harrick was still steamed with the officials after his team's Southeastern Conference title hopes took a blow.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts such as reputation or confidence, "took a blow" effectively conveys a sense of damage or diminishment. Use it to highlight significant negative impacts on these intangible assets.

Common error

Avoid using "took a blow" for minor inconveniences. This phrase implies a significant negative impact or setback, so reserve it for situations where the effect is substantial and noticeable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a blow" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something or someone has suffered a negative impact or setback. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples of its usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took a blow" is a versatile expression used to describe a negative impact or setback. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in news and sports reporting. While it is generally neutral in register, it implies a significant negative consequence. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its intensity and consider alternatives like "suffered a setback" or "sustained damage" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endured a hit

Similar to "took a blow", but implies a slightly more prolonged or continuous suffering.

suffered a setback

Focuses more on the idea of regression or impediment of progress.

was dealt a setback

Highlights the external forces causing the negative impact, as if someone else is dealing it.

received a shock

Emphasizes the suddenness and unexpected nature of the negative impact.

sustained damage

Highlights the harm or injury inflicted, either physically or figuratively.

experienced a reversal

Specifically points to a change in fortune or situation from positive to negative.

was impacted negatively

A more formal and general way to indicate a negative effect.

was adversely affected

A passive and formal way to describe a negative impact.

faced adversity

Broadly refers to confronting difficult or challenging circumstances.

met with misfortune

Emphasizes bad luck or unfavorable circumstances.

FAQs

How to use "took a blow" in a sentence?

You can use "took a blow" to describe something that has been negatively affected or damaged, such as "Her confidence "took a blow" after the criticism" or "The company's reputation "took a blow" after the scandal".

What can I say instead of "took a blow"?

You can use alternatives like "suffered a setback", "sustained damage", or "endured a hit" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take a blow" or "took a blow"?

"Took a blow" is the past tense form of the idiom, used to describe a past event. "Take a blow" is the present tense and is used when the action is occurring now or habitually.

What's the difference between "took a blow" and "was adversely affected"?

"Took a blow" is more direct and conveys a stronger sense of impact, while "was adversely affected" is more formal and passive, suggesting a less immediate or intense impact.