Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[rice07]

Hi

1. Hit on the brakes!
This example was cited from my son's school English learning materia. ' Hit ' in this case was an intransitive verb.

2. Hit the brakes!
This example was cited from two different dictionaries handy but carried the same expression, ' hit the brakes '. However, ' hit ' in this case, was a transitive verb.

Could you tell me which one is correct? Or both are correct? Many thanks!

Good day!

rice07

[pugachevV]

Hit the brakes! Is correct.
I've never heard anyone say, "Hit on the brakes".

[Bob S.]

Though I've heard "Slam on the brakes!"
_________________
"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper

[rice07]

Hi PugachevV

Thanks for your reply.

Hi Bob S.

I now learn " Slam on the brakes! " is also a common expression for that situation from you. Many thanks!

My son's English teacher tending towards speaking American English is a taiwanese, arguing that language(s) is(are) dynamic or is(are) diversifying. Therefore some people would say this way, while another would say that way.

I know PugachevV speaks King's English. So you might deem- in fact, so did I- that " Hit on the brakes! " is incorrect. In particular the expression(Hit on the brakes!) in the school English learning materia is for our next generation to study, I, not very rigid or fussing about something or other, have a responsibility to get it straight. Hope anyone who speaks American English knowing this expression could shed some light on my question. Much obliged!

Good day!

Sincerely
rice07

[CP]

I don't understand why hit on the brakes would be intransitive. It is not the correct expression, but it isn't grammatically incorrect.

Suppose the teacher used the more correct expression slam on the brakes or stomp on the brakes. The brakes would still be the object of the verb , and the verb would still be transitive, wouldn't it?
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[rice07]

Hi Teacher CP,

Thanks for enlightening me about my question. That helps a lot! Also thanks all!

Sincerely
rice