What are the definitions of “hit with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Surprise someone with some information or news.
He HIT me WITH the details of their demands.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hit with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hit with is to surprise someone with some information or news. It often implies that the information is unexpected or has a significant impact on the person receiving it.
What are the different verb forms of “hit with”?
| Root Verb | hit with |
| Third Person Singular Present | hits with |
| Present Participle | hitting with |
| Simple Past | hit with |
| Past Participle | hit with |
Example
She hit him with the news that she was pregnant.
Example
He hits her with the news of his promotion.
Example
They are hitting us with the details of the new project.
Example
Yesterday, my boss hit me with the news that I got a raise.
Example
I was hit with the news of my friend's sudden illness.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hit with”?
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 with” 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 him with the news that she was pregnant.
Example
He hit her with the news of his promotion.
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 with” 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 him with the news that she was pregnant.
Example
He hit her with the news of his promotion.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hit with”?
Good things to know
Does “hit with” have an informal or formal tone?
Hit with is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'inform,' 'surprise with,' or 'present with' depending on the context.
