really struck me

USAGE SUMMARY

"really struck me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a particularly strong impression or emotion that is felt after something has been seen, heard, or experienced. For example, "The beauty of the sunset really struck me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that really struck me".

The New York Times

But nothing really struck me as necessary.

Independent

One in particular really struck me recently.

The New York Times

That really struck me then.

The Guardian - Sport

But here's what really struck me.

The New York Times

"What really struck me was how merciless they were.

Independent

But what really struck me is the content.

The New York Times

That was something that really struck me on this trip.

The New York Times

[runs clip] RJ: The dialogue in there really struck me.

The Guardian - Film

Two things really struck me about the story.

The Guardian - Books

But it never really struck me as a problem".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really struck me" to convey a genuine and somewhat sudden realization or emotional impact. It's effective in personal anecdotes and reflective writing.

Common error

While "really struck me" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated phrasing like "made a significant impression" or "highlighted the importance of" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really struck me" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something has made a significant impact or impression on someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used in written English. It often serves as a subjective commentary within a narrative or exposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really struck me" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a significant impression or realization. As Ludwig AI points out, it's appropriate in a variety of contexts. While very common in news media, it's crucial to consider formality when selecting alternatives for academic or formal writing. The phrase effectively conveys a personal reaction and is widely understood, making it a useful addition to any writer's vocabulary. It's often used to share something that had particular importance for the author.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly impressed me

Changes the verb to "impressed" for a slightly more positive connotation.

made a strong impression on me

Uses a more formal tone and highlights the lasting impact.

left a mark on me

Conveys a lasting and significant impact.

deeply affected me

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the experience.

hit me hard

Emphasizes the sudden and intense nature of the realization.

resonated with me

Suggests a sense of personal connection and understanding.

grabbed my attention

Implies a more forceful and immediate interest.

it dawned on me

Focuses on the moment of understanding or realization.

caught my attention

Focuses on the act of noticing something significant.

it became clear to me

Highlights the process of understanding and gaining clarity.

FAQs

What does "really struck me" mean?

The phrase "really struck me" means that something made a strong impression, caused a sudden realization, or evoked a significant emotional response in the speaker or writer.

How can I use "really struck me" in a sentence?

You can use "really struck me" to describe a feeling or thought that arose from a specific event or piece of information. For example, "The speaker's story of overcoming adversity "really struck me"."

What are some alternatives to "really struck me"?

Alternatives include "truly impressed me", "deeply affected me", or "made a strong impression on me". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "really struck me" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "really struck me" can be considered less formal. For professional contexts, consider alternatives like "made a significant impression" or "highlighted the importance of" to maintain a professional tone.