then it hit me vs then it dawned upon me

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English to express the moment when someone suddenly understands or realizes something. 'Then it hit me' is a more informal and colloquial expression, while 'then it dawned upon me' is a bit more formal and literary. The choice between them depends on the tone and style you want to convey.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1697 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts to express a sudden realization or understanding.

"then it hit me "

This phrase is used to describe the moment when someone suddenly understands or realizes something. It is informal and colloquial in nature.

Examples:

I was struggling with the math problem, and then it hit me - I had forgotten to carry the one.
I was listening to the lecture, and then it hit me that I had misunderstood the main point.
I was reading the book, and then it hit me that the protagonist was actually the villain.
I was pondering the situation, and then it hit me - I had been looking at it all wrong.
I was reflecting on my past, and then it hit me how much I had grown since then.

Show examples from the web [+]

3. I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me. 4.2 stars. 4. I'd tell you a chemistry joke but I know I wouldn't get a reaction. Allister - Oklahoma.
Oct 15, 2014 ... Jutes - Then It Hit Me (feat. Rubber Buzzard) Official Music Video. Jutes Music. SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe 721 ...
Feb 20, 2015 ... Tom Wax - ...And Then It Hit Me (Alex Flatner Remix). ldma. SubscribeSubscribed Unsubscribe 18. Subscription preferences. Loading.
Dec 8, 2014 ... And then it hit me... GTA V. LetTheDiscDrop. SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe 29. Subscription preferences. Loading... Loading... Working.

Alternatives:

then I realized
then I understood
then it became clear to me
then the truth dawned on me
then I had an epiphany

This phrase is correct and more formal or literary in nature. It is used to convey a sudden realization or understanding.

"then it dawned upon me "

This phrase is a more formal way to describe the moment when someone suddenly understands or realizes something. It is often used in written or spoken contexts where a more sophisticated tone is desired.

Examples:

As I read the letter, then it dawned upon me that she had never stopped loving me.
I was lost in thought, and then it dawned upon me how much I had missed my family.
I was pondering the problem, and then it dawned upon me what the solution was.
I was listening to the music, and then it dawned upon me how talented the artist was.
I was reflecting on my actions, and then it dawned upon me the impact they had on others.

Show examples from the web [+]

Then it dawned upon me that I was actually going to have the job. On the way home, it dawned on me that I had never returned your call, so when I got home I ...
Then it dawned upon me that I was actually going to have the job. On the way home, it dawned on me that I had never returned your call, so when I got home I ...
Then it dawned upon me that I was actually going to have the job. On the way home, it dawned on me that I had never returned your call, so when I got home I ...
Then it dawned upon me with a certain suddenness that I was different from the others; or like, mayhap, in heart and life and longing, but shut out from their world ...

Alternatives:

then I realized
then it hit me
then I understood
then it became clear to me
then I had an epiphany

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then it hit me vs then it dawned upon me

"then it hit me "

"then it dawned upon me "

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