strike someone as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strike someone as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express an impression or perception that someone has about another person or situation. Example: "She strikes me as a very confident individual, always ready to take on new challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Rick Lazio, the Republican running for governor of New York, darkly suggested that radical entities might be behind the building of the mosque, as if the most publicly scrutinized building on the East Coast might strike someone as a good place to locate a sleeper cell).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This one sentence must have struck someone as intrinsically fascinating, because "Jack," a Showtime movie about a boy with a gay father, is static and entirely unrealized, a one-dimensional social-issue dramatization that a high school guidance counselor might recommend in lieu of therapy.

The New York Times

Only here, in the most densely populated city in the world, would it have struck someone as a good idea to take an already unstable means of transport — a seat with no seat belts, a platform with no doors, a steering wheel and windshield, all supported on three small wheels — and add to it a powerful engine, enabling it to hurtle along a highway at up to 35 miles per hour.

The New York Times - Travel

All it means is that you strike someone — an "informed, high-level official" — as dangerous, or maybe just scary.

The New Yorker

As Ahad wailed, his hands balled into fists, as if he wanted to strike someone.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I say we strike!" someone yelled.

Forbes

The stuff that strikes someone from outside a culture as mesmerising, might be boring to someone inside the culture.

The Guardian

You're striking someone.

The New York Times

The penalty was not particularly well struck, and someone as left footed as Winterburn always looked likely to put it to the keeper's left, but Dibble predicted/guessed correctly, and the man who wasn't even sure of his Cup final place until yesterday has at least maintained the suspense for a little longer.

The Guardian - Sport

Maria didn't strike me as someone at risk for re-trafficking.

The New Yorker

If you do not strike him as someone intelligent he has no time for you.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strike someone as" when you want to express a subjective impression or feeling about someone or something. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "strike someone as" when a more direct statement of fact is appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain when certainty is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strike someone as" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate how a person or thing initially appears or is perceived. It conveys a subjective impression or feeling about someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strike someone as" is a versatile phrase used to express a subjective impression. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with your intended tone and context, opting for more direct language when appropriate. Alternatives such as "appear to be" or "seem to be" can provide similar meanings while adjusting the level of formality or directness, making your communication more precise. Remember Ludwig's AI response, the phrase is used to give impressions that are initially perceived.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem to someone

This alternative focuses on the appearance or impression given.

appear to someone

Similar to 'seem', but may imply a slightly stronger impression.

give someone the impression

This is a more explicit way of stating the impression given.

come across to someone as

Focuses on how someone is perceived by others.

be perceived by someone as

This is a more formal way of expressing how someone is seen.

impress someone as being

Highlights the impression made on someone.

look to someone like

Implies a visual assessment or comparison.

feel to someone like

Connects the perception to a feeling or sensation.

suggest to someone

Indicates that something hints at a particular quality.

ring a bell with someone as

This alternative implies a sense of familiarity or recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "strike someone as" in a sentence?

You can use "strike someone as" to express an impression. For example, "She "strikes me as" a very competent person."

What's a more formal way to say "strike someone as"?

More formal alternatives include "appear to be", "seem to be", or "be perceived as", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "struck me as" or should it always be "strikes me as"?

Both are correct, but "struck me as" is the past tense. Use "struck me as" when referring to a past impression and ""strikes me as"" for a current one.

What's the difference between "strike someone as" and "give someone the impression of"?

"Strike someone as" is a more concise way of saying "give someone the impression of". Both express an impression, but the former is more direct.