it strikes me

USAGE SUMMARY

"it strikes me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to express that you suddenly realize something. For example, "It strikes me that I've been too hard on myself recently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It strikes me as crazy.

Independent

Then it strikes me.

The Guardian

It strikes me as a stretch.

The New York Times

It strikes me as unthinking, frankly".

The New York Times

It strikes me as fairly compelling, however.

The Economist

It strikes me as a curious question.

The New Yorker

It strikes me as very straightforward".

The New York Times

"But it strikes me as heavy-handed.

The New York Times - Arts

"It strikes me as unusual.

The New York Times - Arts

"It strikes me as ridiculous".

The New York Times

That's how it strikes me".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it strikes me", ensure that the subsequent clause expresses a clear and specific thought or observation to maintain clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it strikes me" to introduce overly general or vague statements. This can weaken the phrase's impact and make your writing seem less insightful. Be specific and provide clear context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it strikes me" functions as an introductory expression used to preface a personal observation, opinion, or realization. It signals that the speaker or writer is about to share something that has suddenly become clear to them. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it strikes me" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a sudden realization or personal opinion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, consider using more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing. Common best practices include using it to introduce specific thoughts, while avoiding vague or overly general statements. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively use "it strikes me" to enhance your writing with personal insights and observations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it occurs to me

This phrase suggests a thought coming to mind, similar to a sudden realization.

it hits me

Similar to "it strikes me", but can also imply a more forceful or emotional realization.

it dawns on me

Implies a gradual realization, contrasting with the more immediate feeling of "it strikes me".

i realize

A more direct and simple way of stating that you understand something.

i understand

Focuses on comprehension rather than a sudden insightful moment.

i perceive

More formal and suggests a considered observation.

it registers with me

Suggests the information is processed, indicating a delayed realization.

i gather

Suggests inferring something from available information, not necessarily a sudden insight.

i conclude

Implies a reasoned judgment based on evidence, rather than a spontaneous thought.

i surmise

More tentative and suggests forming an opinion without firm evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "it strikes me" in a sentence?

Use "it strikes me" to introduce a thought that suddenly comes to mind. For example, "It strikes me that we haven't considered all the possible outcomes of this decision".

What's a more formal alternative to "it strikes me"?

A more formal alternative would be "I perceive" or "I observe", which convey a similar sense of personal realization but with a more detached tone.

Is "it strikes me" suitable for academic writing?

While "it strikes me" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more objective phrases such as "it is apparent" or "it can be observed" to maintain a formal tone.

What's the difference between "it strikes me" and "it seems to me"?

"It seems to me" suggests a tentative opinion or impression, while "it strikes me" implies a sudden realization or insight. The former is less assertive than the latter.