a strike against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strike against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a disadvantage or a negative factor in a situation or argument. Example: "The lack of experience is a strike against her application for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is not a strike against pupils.

Independent

Under what conditions would a strike against Iran be justified?

Princeton University

It was like a strike against the authorities".

The New York Times - Arts

Cantlie's crude humor: a strike against good will.

The New Yorker

"It's like starting out with a strike against you".

The New York Times

Buying shoes is not a strike against the patriarchy.

The Guardian

To be sure, not everyone here believes a strike against Syria is a mistake.

The New York Times

"A strike against Iran would cause the whole region to explode," declared Jordan's King Abdullah recently.

The Economist

"This is a strike against rightist policies, to demand new policies serving the Portuguese people".

The New York Times

The officer did not express an opinion about whether Israel should launch a strike against Iran.

The New Yorker

"Once, those theories were vital for a strike against bourgeois theatre.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "a strike against", ensure the context is clear. Explicitly state what the disadvantage is working against for better clarity. For example, instead of simply saying 'That's a strike against it', say 'The high price is a strike against its market competitiveness'.

Common error

Avoid using "a strike against" when describing a neutral fact. The phrase inherently carries a negative connotation, suggesting a disadvantage or obstacle. Using it inappropriately can misrepresent the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strike against" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subjective complement or object of a preposition. It signifies a disadvantage or negative attribute. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strike against" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase indicating a disadvantage or negative aspect. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It frequently appears in news articles and academic papers, maintaining a generally neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and that the negative connotation aligns with your intended meaning. Alternatives like "a disadvantage for" or "a setback for" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. Given its prevalence and clarity, mastering the use of "a strike against" is valuable for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disadvantage for

Replaces "strike" with "disadvantage", focusing on the hindering aspect.

a detriment to

Uses "detriment" to emphasize the damaging or harmful effect.

a setback for

Emphasizes the hindrance or delay caused by the action.

an impediment to

Highlights the obstacle or barrier created.

a handicap for

Focuses on the limiting or restrictive nature.

a downside to

Directly indicates a negative aspect or drawback.

a liability for

Highlights the burden or responsibility created.

a blow to

Indicates a sudden negative impact or setback.

a problem for

Identifies a challenge or difficulty.

a negative factor for

States directly that something is a negative element.

FAQs

How can I use "a strike against" in a sentence?

Use "a strike against" to indicate a disadvantage or negative aspect. For example, "His poor attendance record was "a strike against" him during his performance review".

What's a good alternative to "a strike against"?

Alternatives include "a disadvantage for", "a detriment to", or "a setback for", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a strike against" or "a point against"?

"A strike against" is more idiomatic and impactful, suggesting a significant disadvantage. "A point against" is more neutral and suitable for less serious situations. Choose the phrase that best matches the intensity of the negative aspect you are describing.

What does it mean when something is described as "a strike against" someone?

It means that something is considered a disadvantage or negative factor that reduces someone's chances of success or approval. For example, "Lack of experience can be "a strike against" a job applicant".