be struck by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be struck by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a sudden realization, feeling, or impact of an idea or event. Example: "I was struck by the beauty of the sunset as I walked along the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They would all be struck by lightning".

The New York Times

"That's waiting to be struck by lightning".

The New York Times

An outsider might be struck by Bosnia's dismal prospects.

The New Yorker

Western Kansas won't be struck by a malaria outbreak.

The Washington Post

Viewers might be struck by the amount of figurative art.

The New York Times

You will be struck by the number of overweight people.

The New York Times

Doored -- To be struck by a car door.

The New York Times

It's impossible not to be struck by Trump's selective patriotism.

The New Yorker

Concern that the Earth might be struck by a comet, with potentially devasting consequences, dates back some two centuries.

Advances in Space Research

Cultural conservatives would be struck by evidence of European moral degeneracy.

The Economist

TRAVELLING round America one can only be struck by the vibrancy of the media market.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be struck by" to express a sudden and impactful realization or feeling when encountering something new or unexpected. For example, "I was struck by the dedication of the volunteers."

Common error

While "be struck by" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "observe", "note", or "recognize" in academic or professional writing to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be struck by" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that someone or something experiences a sudden or significant impact, realization, or feeling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable expression in English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be struck by" is a versatile and common phrase used to describe a moment of sudden realization or impact. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is very common, primarily in news and media, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing contexts. While useful, it's important to be aware of alternative phrases and potential overuse in more formal writing, as described above.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be impressed by

Emphasizes a positive reaction and admiration.

be amazed by

Similar to 'be astonished by', focusing on wonder and surprise.

be astonished by

Highlights a strong sense of surprise and amazement.

be affected by

Suggests an influence or impact, which can be either positive or negative.

be surprised by

A more general term indicating an unexpected feeling or realization.

be influenced by

Highlights the impact of something on one's thoughts or actions.

be taken aback by

Implies a sudden shock or surprise, often with a negative connotation.

be moved by

Focuses on emotional impact and feelings of empathy or sympathy.

realize

Focuses on the act of understanding or becoming aware of something.

notice

Emphasizes the act of paying attention to something.

FAQs

How can I use "be struck by" in a sentence?

Use "be struck by" to indicate a strong feeling or realization upon encountering something. For example, "I was "struck by" her kindness."

What can I say instead of "be struck by"?

You can use alternatives like "be impressed by", "be amazed by", or "be astonished by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be struck by" or "being struck by"?

"Be struck by" is typically used in passive voice constructions. "Being struck by" can function as a gerund phrase. For example, "Be struck by the beauty, she paused" versus "Being struck by the beauty caused her to pause."

What's the difference between "be struck by" and "be affected by"?

"Be struck by" suggests a more immediate and often surprising impact, while "be affected by" implies a broader or more gradual influence.