a lightning strike

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lightning strike" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an instance of lightning hitting something, often with damaging results. For example, "The fire was caused by a lightning strike that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And now, a lightning strike.

The New York Times

"It's a lightning strike, a fireball.

The New York Times

Hypothermia seemed even more imminent than a lightning strike.

The Washington Post

Plumbing and telephone wires can carry current from a lightning strike.

Harvard University

A lightning strike of thirty-second notes followed in the treble.

The New Yorker

Eventually it will discharge and that is a lightning strike, Eden says.

BBC

In a lightning strike, technicians first cut off nearly all international traffic through those portals.

The New York Times - Tech

"There was a lightning strike, at least one, maybe more," Mr. Arena said.

The New York Times

Would you be more likely to fall prey to a lightning strike?

The New York Times

The damage due to a lightning strike can be reduced if the high current is quickly conducted to the ground.

Renewable Energy

Simulation results are performed for an observation point located 50 m from the base of the channel (or tower, when present) and for three cases, namely (i) a lightning strike to ground, and (ii) a lightning strike to a 168-m tall tower, and (iii) a lightning strike to a 553-m tall tower.

Journal of Electrostatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events caused by lightning, be specific about the consequences, such as "a lightning strike caused a power outage" or "a lightning strike ignited a fire."

Common error

Avoid using "a lightning strike" as a generic term for any weather-related damage. Always ensure the event was directly caused by the lightning, not just coincident with a storm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lightning strike" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific instance of lightning hitting something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lightning strike" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the event of lightning hitting an object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and frequently used term across various contexts, primarily in news, science, and general information. When using this phrase, ensure you accurately describe the cause-and-effect relationship of the lightning event. Protective measures against lightning strikes are important to understand, and knowing the difference between "a lightning strike" and "a lightning bolt" can help avoid confusion. Be aware that while versatile, it's important to use the phrase in contexts where lightning is indeed the direct cause of the described event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bolt of lightning

Focuses on the visual aspect and suddenness of the lightning.

lightning discharge

Highlights the electrical process of lightning.

electrical storm impact

Emphasizes the effect and the environmental phenomenon.

sudden electrical surge

Focuses on the abrupt increase in electrical power.

atmospheric electrical event

Describes the phenomenon in broader scientific terms.

an act of lightning

Presents the lightning strike as a single action.

thunderbolt impact

Highlights the impact and force of the lightning.

electrical ground strike

Emphasizes the point of contact of the lightning.

sudden atmospheric discharge

Highlights the abrupt release of electrical energy in the atmosphere.

aerial electrical discharge

Focuses on the atmospheric electrical event.

FAQs

What are some consequences of "a lightning strike"?

Consequences of "a lightning strike" can include power outages, fires, damage to buildings, and, in some cases, injuries or fatalities. It can also cause damage to electrical equipment and infrastructure.

What should I do to protect myself during "a thunderstorm"?

During a thunderstorm, seek shelter indoors, avoid contact with water and electronic devices, and stay away from windows and doors. If you are outside, avoid open areas and tall objects that could attract lightning.

What's the difference between "a lightning strike" and "a lightning bolt"?

"A lightning bolt" refers to the visible flash of electricity in the sky, while "a lightning strike" refers to the event of that electricity hitting a specific object or the ground.

How can I protect my home from "a lightning strike"?

To protect your home, consider installing a lightning protection system, which includes lightning rods and surge protectors. These can help redirect the electrical current safely into the ground and prevent damage to your electrical system.