HIT THE ROAD

"When life presents a crossroads, hit the road to discover new horizons and embrace the journey of self-discovery and change."

📖 Definition

To 'hit the road' means to start a journey, typically by traveling, often with little forewarning or preparation. It implies setting off on an adventure or embarking on a new phase of life.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'hit the road' means to start a journey, typically by traveling, often with little forewarning or preparation. It implies setting off on an adventure or embarking on a new phase of life.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb phrase cannot be split.
Register
Informal
Commonly used in casual conversation.
Transitive
No
Does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple hit the road Let's hit the road before traffic gets worse.
Past Simple hit the road Yesterday, we hit the road at dawn.
Present Continuous hitting the road They're hitting the road right now for their vacation.
Present Perfect have hit the road We have hit the road many times on spontaneous trips.

💡 When to Use

Before starting a journey
Use this phrase when about to begin a trip, emphasizing a sense of adventure or spontaneity.
Example: "We're all packed. Let's hit the road now!"
Indicating departure from a place
Say this when leaving a location, often in a casual context, to underline readiness to leave.
Example: "It's getting late, we should hit the road."
Starting a new phase
Use to signify embarking on a new chapter in life or starting an activity related to travel.
Example: "After graduation, she decided to hit the road and explore Europe."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect usage in formal writing
❌ Wrong: As per the agreement, hit the road at dawn.
✅ Correct: As per the agreement, depart at dawn.
💡 Tip: Avoid informal language in formal contexts.
Using with an object incorrectly
❌ Wrong: We hit the road the journey.
✅ Correct: We hit the road.
💡 Tip: Remember, it doesn't take an object.
Incorrect tense usage
❌ Wrong: We hitting the road yesterday.
✅ Correct: We hit the road yesterday.
💡 Tip: Use simple past for completed actions.
Practice

HIT THE ROAD - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

  • 1
    Listen to example

    After loading the car, they hit the road for a weekend getaway.

    Urban Car Dwelling
  • 2
    Listen to example

    Tourists hit the road every summer to explore the countryside.

    Urban Car Dwelling
  • 3
    Listen to example

    Feeling restless, he hit the road to find new adventures.

    Urban Car Dwelling

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

set off depart

Antonyms

remain

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"We decided to ___ at first light to avoid traffic."

walk the street
hit the road
leave the pillow
kick the door

Frequently Asked Questions about Hit The Road

What is the origin of hit the road?

+
'Hit the road' originated in early 20th-century America, referring to travelers literally starting their journey by striking the road with their feet or wheels.

Can hit the road be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Hit the road' is primarily informal, best suited for casual conversations or storytelling. In formal writing, terms like 'depart' or 'set out' are more appropriate.

What is the difference between hit the road and set off?

+
While both mean to start a journey, 'hit the road' is informal and often implies spontaneity, whereas 'set off' is neutral, suitable for any context.
Browse All Urban Car Dwelling Phrasal Verbs
Tiny House Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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