What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
batted
Example
He batted the ball out of the park for a home run. [batted: past tense]
Example
The children took turns batting at the piñata during the birthday party. [batting: gerund or present participle]
hit
Example
She hit the ball with all her strength and scored a goal. [hit: verb]
Example
I accidentally hit my elbow on the table. Ouch! [hit: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hit is more commonly used than batted in everyday language. Hit is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of situations, while batted is more specific to sports involving a bat.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between batted and hit?
Both batted and hit can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, batted is more commonly used in the context of sports and may sound more formal in those situations.