boredom strikes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "boredom strikes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden onset of boredom, often in a dramatic or expressive way. Example: "As I sat in the waiting room, boredom struck, and I found myself staring at the clock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

You're free to wander in and out at random when hunger, or boredom strikes.

The Guardian

When boredom strikes, methodfive's employees try to throw a stuffed dog into a trash can from across the office.

The New York Times

You give up on your music career until the next time boredom strikes whilst Will.I.Am tries desperately to convince you that tonight will be a good night.

TechCrunch

I stick to my guns, but it's not easy when boredom strikes.

Huffington Post

This listless, fidgeting boredom strikes me as a survival technique, of sorts.

Vice

Start over when the boredom strikes again.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Learn when boredom can strike.

WikiHow

Not since the age of eight, when I was still learning to master boredom, had life struck me so much as simply a problem of what to do.

The New Yorker

Avant-guitar genius Glenn Branca invented his own dulcimer-like guitars, and Boredoms' leader Eye similarly strikes, rather than strums, a magnificent seven-necked beast of his own design (each neck is tuned to a different open chord).

The Guardian - Music

Could travellers to the USA be struck down by boredom?

Independent

But observing the Bank of England governor yesterday, it struck me they share one trait: a certain boredom with their jobs.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "boredom strikes" to vividly describe a situation where boredom suddenly becomes intense and noticeable. It adds a touch of drama or emphasis compared to simply saying someone is bored.

Common error

Avoid using "boredom strikes" when you actually mean someone is actively seeking to alleviate their boredom. "Boredom strikes" implies a passive experience, not an active effort to combat it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "boredom strikes" functions as a figurative expression, where "boredom" is personified as an active agent. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to describe a sudden and noticeable experience. This is evident from the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "boredom strikes" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe a sudden and intense feeling of boredom. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides real-world examples, although its occurrence is relatively uncommon. The phrase functions as a figurative expression, adding emphasis and a touch of drama. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its register is generally neutral. Alternatives like "boredom hits" or "boredom sets in" offer less forceful ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boredom hits

Replaces "strikes" with "hits", offering a slightly less forceful depiction of boredom's arrival.

boredom sets in

Indicates a gradual onset of boredom, rather than a sudden impact.

boredom takes hold

Suggests boredom is gaining control.

boredom overcomes

Implies a feeling of being defeated by boredom.

boredom descends

Uses a more metaphorical term, indicating boredom is coming down on someone.

boredom arises

Emphasizes the emergence of boredom.

boredom surfaces

Suggests that boredom was already there in latent form, now it comes to light.

boredom emerges

Similar to "boredom arises", focusing on the start of boredom.

I become bored

Focuses on the personal experience of boredom instead of the action of striking.

I feel bored

A more direct expression of experiencing boredom.

FAQs

How can I use "boredom strikes" in a sentence?

You can use "boredom strikes" to describe a sudden onset of boredom. For example, "As I sat in the waiting room, "boredom strikes", and I began counting the ceiling tiles."

What's a more common way to say "boredom strikes"?

More common alternatives include "boredom hits" or "boredom sets in". These phrases are less dramatic but convey the same basic meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "boredom strikes"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It's a figurative way of describing the feeling of boredom as if it's an external force impacting someone.

What's the difference between "boredom strikes" and "I am bored"?

"Boredom strikes" emphasizes the sudden and unexpected feeling of boredom taking over. "I am bored" is a more general statement of being in a state of boredom.