What are the definitions of “hit on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have an idea.
I suddenly HIT ON the solution.
- 2Talk to someone to try to attract them sexually.
She HIT ON him at the party and they went back to her house.
- 3Ask for money.
A beggar HIT ON me when I left the restaurant.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hit on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hit on is to talk to someone to try to attract them sexually. It is often used to describe flirting or showing romantic interest in someone. For example, it can mean approaching someone at a party, a bar, or any social event to start a conversation with the intention of getting to know them better.
What are the different verb forms of “hit on”?
| Root Verb | hit on |
| Third Person Singular Present | hits on |
| Present Participle | hitting on |
| Simple Past | hit on |
| Past Participle | hit on |
Example
He hit on her at the party, but she wasn't interested.
Example
She hits on guys at the club every weekend.
Example
He is hitting on the new girl at work.
Example
She hit on him at the party, and they exchanged phone numbers.
Example
He had been hit on by many people at the event.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hit on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“hit on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She hit on him at the party.
Example
He hit on her at the bar.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“hit on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She hit on him at the party.
Example
He hit on her at the bar.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hit on”?
Good things to know
Does “hit on” have an informal or formal tone?
Hit on is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be appropriate for formal settings or professional situations. In more formal contexts, alternative phrases such as 'flirt with' or 'approach romantically' can be used to convey the same meaning.
