“Hit the breaks” or “hit the brakes”: which is correct?
hit the brakes
The short answer
The correct phrase is hit the brakes, which refers to applying the car’s braking system. Brakes are devices used to slow or stop a moving vehicle.
Spelling error
Why people get it wrong
Breaks and brakes are homophones, meaning they sound the same when spoken. This can lead to confusion in spelling, especially since both words are common in English but have different meanings.
Examples with hit the brakes
- Please hit the brakes if you see a stop sign.
- I had to hit the brakes suddenly to avoid an accident.
- She quickly hit the brakes when the car in front of us stopped abruptly.
Quick check
Please if you see a stop sign.
The correct phrase is hit the brakes, which refers to applying the car’s braking system. Brakes are devices used to slow or stop a moving vehicle.
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