strike a chord

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strike a chord" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone or something has brought back a sense of recognition or familiarity to you. For example, "When I heard the song, it struck a chord and I realized I had heard it before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strike a chord?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This should strike a chord of suspense.

The New York Times

That seemed to strike a chord.

The New York Times

Some stories strike a chord with readers.

The New York Times

Did Simon strike a chord?

The Guardian - Film

Does it strike a chord you recognize?

The New Yorker

His policies strike a chord with millions of ordinary Americans.

Independent

I don't strike a chord with any one style.

The New York Times

However, they strike a chord in other countries.

The Economist

Mr. Giuliani seemed to strike a chord with the crowd.

The New York Times

Most likely to: Strike a chord with mid-noughties nostalgists.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strike a chord" when you want to convey that something evokes a feeling of familiarity, agreement, or emotional connection. For example, "The speaker's personal stories struck a chord with the audience."

Common error

Avoid using "strike a chord" when describing purely intellectual agreement without an emotional element. Opt for phrases like "align with" or "correspond to" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "strike a chord" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe something that evokes an emotional response, resonates with someone's feelings, or reminds them of something familiar. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strike a chord" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe something that resonates with someone emotionally, reminds them of something, or evokes a sense of recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to consider the nuance of emotional connection. Alternatives like "resonate with" or "ring true" may be more appropriate depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hit home

Highlights the direct and personal impact of something.

resonate with

Focuses on the feeling of connection or agreement, emphasizing the personal impact.

connect with

Emphasizes establishing a relationship or understanding.

ring true

Emphasizes the authenticity and credibility of something.

click with someone

Focuses on the instant connection and understanding between people.

find an echo

Suggests a wider resonance or acceptance of an idea.

be well-received

Focuses on the positive reception or acceptance by an audience.

touch a nerve

Indicates a sensitive or controversial issue is being addressed.

gain traction

Highlights increasing popularity or acceptance.

impress someone

Highlights the act of making an impression.

FAQs

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

Use "strike a chord" to indicate that something evokes a feeling of recognition, agreement, or emotional connection. For example, "The movie's themes of resilience "resonated with" many viewers".

What's the difference between "strike a chord" and "touch a nerve"?

"Strike a chord" implies a positive or empathetic connection, while "touch a nerve" suggests a sensitive or painful issue is being raised. The former creates "resonance", the latter elicits a strong negative reaction.

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

You can use alternatives like "resonate with", "ring true", or "hit home" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "strike a chord" in formal writing?

Yes, "strike a chord" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is a widely understood and accepted idiomatic expression. Its usage depends more on the context and intended meaning rather than the formality of the writing.