What are the definitions of “hit upon”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have an idea.
It took us ages to HIT UPON a solution.
- 2Try to attract someone sexually.
He tried to HIT UPON her at the pub.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hit upon”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hit upon is to suddenly have an idea or discover something, often after a long period of thinking or searching. It means to come up with a solution or find an answer to a problem.
What are the different verb forms of “hit upon”?
| Root Verb | hit upon |
| Third Person Singular Present | hits upon |
| Present Participle | hitting upon |
| Simple Past | hit upon |
| Past Participle | hit upon |
Example
She hit upon a great idea for her new business.
Example
He hits upon a solution to the problem after hours of brainstorming.
Example
They are hitting upon a new strategy to improve their sales.
Example
Yesterday, she hit upon the perfect gift for her friend's birthday.
Example
After much thought, he finally hit upon the answer to the riddle.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hit upon”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“hit upon” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She hit upon a great idea for her new business.
Example
He hit upon a solution to the problem after hours of brainstorming.
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 upon” 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 upon a great idea for her new business.
Example
He hit upon a solution to the problem after hours of brainstorming.
Good things to know
Does “hit upon” have an informal or formal tone?
Hit upon is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
