took a hit

USAGE SUMMARY

'took a hit' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean "experienced a decrease, setback, or negative result", or "sustained physical damage". For example: "The company's profits took a hit after the sudden increase in operational costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We took a hit".

The New York Times - Magazine

"If anything, my grades took a hit".

The New York Times - Sports

Bank shares took a hit on Thursday.

The New York Times

Fixed income and currency took a hit.

The New York Times

But we took a hit there".

The New York Times

That already took a hit.

The Guardian

"Everyone else took a hit.

The Guardian

On Tuesday, the stock took a hit.

The New York Times

I took a hit near the leg.

The New York Times - Sports

He went on, "Cincinnati took a hit.

The New Yorker

Then his bank account took a hit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took a hit" when describing a noticeable negative impact on something, whether it's a company's profits, an individual's reputation, or a physical object's condition.

Common error

While "took a hit" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "experienced a decline" or "was adversely affected" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a hit" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject has experienced a negative impact or setback. Ludwig examples show usage in diverse contexts, from financial markets to personal well-being, aligning with Ludwig AI's classification as a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Sports

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took a hit" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe experiencing a setback, loss, or negative impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media reporting. While versatile, its slightly informal tone may warrant more precise alternatives in formal writing. The phrase's widespread use in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptance in mainstream communication, though careful consideration of the target audience and desired formality is always advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffered a setback

Indicates a temporary delay or problem that slows progress, similar to taking a hit but often implies a recoverable situation.

experienced a decline

Specifically refers to a decrease in quantity or quality, applicable in contexts like sales or performance.

was adversely affected

A more formal way of saying something was negatively impacted, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

felt the impact

Highlights the feeling or consequences of an event, focusing on the experience of the negative effect.

sustained damage

Suggests physical or structural harm, more literal than "took a hit" which can be used metaphorically.

endured a loss

Implies a significant negative outcome, often financial or involving something valuable.

met with adversity

A more literary or dramatic way of describing facing challenges or difficulties.

ran into difficulties

Suggests unexpected problems arose, often requiring effort to overcome.

faced repercussions

Specifically refers to negative consequences resulting from an action or event.

was dealt a blow

Highlights the sudden and forceful nature of the negative impact.

FAQs

What does "took a hit" mean?

The phrase "took a hit" generally means that something or someone experienced a negative impact, setback, or loss. It can refer to financial losses, damage, or a decline in status.

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

You can use alternatives like "suffered a setback", "experienced a decline", or "was adversely affected" depending on the specific context.

Is "took a hit" appropriate for formal writing?

While "took a hit" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "experienced a decrease" or "sustained a loss".

Can "took a hit" refer to physical damage?

Yes, "took a hit" can refer to physical damage, although it's more commonly used to describe a negative impact on something intangible, like profits or reputation. "Sustained damage" is a more direct alternative for physical damage.