verb
1
BAD : Turning round, I hit a vase which broke into several pieces.
GOOD : Turning round, I knocked over a vase which broke into several pieces.
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knock over = hit something by accident so that it falls from a standing position: 'The cat jumped up onto the table and knocked over a full glass of red wine.'
2
BAD : I was so terrified that I hit and kicked them with all my might.
GOOD : I was so terrified that I punched and kicked them with all my might.
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punch and kick (NOT hit and kick ): 'The boy on the ground was punching and kicking to defend himself.'