hit a chord

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hit a chord" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something resonates emotionally or strikes a personal note with someone. Example: "Her speech about overcoming adversity really hit a chord with the audience, leaving many in tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's hit a chord," Mr. Berger said.

The New York Times

"John McCain has really hit a chord here.

The New York Times

"It just has not hit a chord at all".

The New York Times - Travel

That hit a chord because they disrupted their own natural electorate," he said.

Independent

"It hit a chord in a lot of people," Mr. Hoffman said.

The New York Times

Evil Dead hit a chord with people because we didn't crank 'em out.

The Guardian - Film

"That movie really hit a chord with me," Mr. Astani, 55, said with a broad smile.

The New York Times - Arts

His smile, confidence and unfettered sense of optimism hit a chord that made him an instant and likeable character.

The Guardian - Sport

"The Bad News Bears" hit a chord in me when I was ten, just after my father died.

The New Yorker

The essay by Tim Kreider about Amtrak's Quiet Car ("The Quiet Ones," Sunday Review, Nov. 18) really hit a chord with me.

The New York Times

"It's a little unusual for us to do something just with Ken," she said, but added that "the effort has really hit a chord.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hit a chord" when you want to emphasize that something deeply resonates with someone or a group of people, triggering an emotional or intellectual connection. It's particularly effective when describing how an idea, message, or piece of art is received.

Common error

Don't use "hit a chord" when a simple agreement or acknowledgement is meant. This phrase implies a profound resonance, not just a superficial understanding. For a mere agreement, use phrases like "I agree" or "that makes sense."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit a chord" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a significant emotional or intellectual resonance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is widely used to express that something deeply connects with someone. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe the impact of movies, political messages, and personal stories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hit a chord" is a commonly used idiom that signifies a deep emotional or intellectual connection, primarily found in News & Media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and functions to emphasize a strong resonance. When writing, ensure the situation warrants a sense of meaningful impact rather than simple agreement. Alternatives include "strike a chord" and "resonate with". Overall, using "hit a chord" effectively enhances communication by highlighting significant connections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strike a chord

Changes the verb while maintaining the core metaphor of musical resonance.

resonate with

Shifts the focus to the feeling of resonance or deep connection.

ring true

Emphasizes the authenticity and genuineness of something.

strike a note

Similar to striking a chord, but implies a less profound or impactful resonance.

connect with

A more general term indicating a positive relationship or understanding.

appeal to

Focuses on the attractive or persuasive quality of something.

grab attention

Highlights the act of attracting notice or interest.

get through to

Suggests successfully communicating or influencing someone.

make an impact

Stresses the significant effect or influence of something.

touch a nerve

Implies a strong emotional reaction, often negative or sensitive.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "hits a chord"?

When something "hits a chord", it means it resonates deeply with someone, evoking a strong emotional or intellectual response. It suggests a significant connection or understanding.

How can I use "hit a chord" in a sentence?

You can use "hit a chord" to describe how a speech, a piece of art, or an idea affects an audience or an individual. For example: "The film's message about perseverance really hit a chord with me."

What can I say instead of "hit a chord"?

You can use alternatives like "strike a chord", "resonate with", or "ring true" depending on the context.

Is "hit a chord" an informal or formal expression?

"Hit a chord" is generally considered a neutral expression and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing.