What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smack
Example
The door smacked shut behind her. [smacked: past tense]
Example
He gave the ball a good smack with his hand. [smack: noun]
hit
Example
The car hit the tree and spun out of control. [hit: past tense]
Example
She hit the punching bag with all her might. [hit: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hit is more commonly used than smack in everyday language. Hit is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while smack is less common and often used in informal or playful settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between smack and hit?
While hit can be used in both formal and informal contexts, smack is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, making it less appropriate for formal situations.
