was hit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was hit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that occurred in the past where someone or something was struck or impacted. Example: "The car was hit by a falling tree during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

No one was hit.

The New Yorker

Then he was hit.

The New York Times

The other cop was hit.

The New Yorker

Even their Don was hit.

The Economist

"And then I was hit.

The New York Times

Jackson was hit three times.

The New York Times

"I was hit 19 times.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Bluefields was hit with extreme impact.

Wikipedia

Connecticut was hit hard, too.

The Economist

Germany was hit harder still.

The Economist

Istanbul was hit by political worries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was hit", consider whether a more precise verb would provide greater clarity or impact. For instance, instead of "The city was hit by the storm", you could say "The city was flooded by the storm" or "The city was devastated by the storm".

Common error

While "was hit" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Actively rephrase sentences when possible. For example, instead of "The error was hit by the developer", try "The developer fixed the error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was hit" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence received an action. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent and correct usage across diverse contexts. It commonly appears in news reports and general narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was hit" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that describes the experience of receiving an impact or negative consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for factual reporting. While "was hit" is generally acceptable, writers should consider using more active and precise verbs where appropriate to improve clarity and impact. Overall, "was hit" is a versatile phrase, but careful attention to context and alternative phrasing can enhance writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was struck

Focuses on the act of being physically impacted or affected, similar to "was hit" but can sometimes imply a more forceful impact.

was impacted

Implies a significant effect or influence, often used in a broader, less physical sense than "was hit".

was affected

Emphasizes the consequence of an action or event, highlighting the change or influence experienced.

sustained damage

Specifically indicates that harm or injury was received as a result of an event.

endured a blow

Suggests a significant negative event or setback, emphasizing the difficulty of the experience.

was bombarded

Implies being subjected to a barrage of something, either physically or metaphorically, suggesting intensity and persistence.

came under fire

Denotes being targeted or attacked, often in a military or competitive context, signifying a hostile situation.

was on the receiving end

Highlights the position of the subject as the recipient of an action, often with negative connotations.

bore the brunt

Indicates that the subject experienced the worst part of a negative event, emphasizing the severity of the impact.

met with misfortune

Emphasizes the unlucky or adverse nature of the event experienced, focusing on the negative outcome.

FAQs

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

"Was hit" indicates that something or someone received an impact or blow. For example, "The car /s/was+hit by another vehicle" or "The company /s/was+hit hard by the recession".

What can I say instead of "was hit"?

You can use alternatives like "was struck", "was impacted", or "was affected" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "was hit" or "got hit"?

Both "was hit" and "got hit" are grammatically correct, but "was hit" is generally considered more formal. "Got hit" is more common in informal conversation.

What's the difference between "was hit" and "has been hit"?

"Was hit" describes an event that happened in the past, while "has been hit" indicates an event that started in the past and has relevance to the present. For example, "The area was hit by a storm yesterday" vs. "The area has been hit by multiple storms this year".