strikes someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strikes someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a sudden realization, thought, or impression that comes to a person. Example: "It suddenly strikes me that I forgot to send the email."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But you can allowably feel you no longer need or want to know how Hamlet strikes someone else.

Independent

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

The Guardian

"Charlotte's Web" is about death: avoiding it when possible, accepting it gracefully when necessary, moving on when it strikes someone you love.

The New York Times

The TL even has pedestrian impact protection; the hood and front fenders are designed to deform if the car strikes someone, cushioning the blow.

The New York Times

There are various reasons why, even though OCD typically strikes someone at 19, people with OCD do not go for help until they are over 30.

The Guardian - Opinion

How Mr Hayward must wish that he had retired on March 17th, one month before the oil spill, rather than merely selling one-third of his BP shares worth around $1.2m then, but about half as much now.7) Pray that a worse disaster strikes someone else.  "Every day, Lloyd Blankfein must get down on his knees and thank God for the BP oil spill," says one noted PR expert privately.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

You're striking someone.

The New York Times

When timpani strike, someone is bound to jump.

The New York Times - Arts

It hurt when the ball struck someone in the face.

The New York Times - Magazine

After Ms. Brown was struck, someone called 911, the police said.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strikes someone" when you want to convey a sudden realization or unexpected thought. For instance, "It suddenly strikes someone that they've forgotten their keys."

Common error

Avoid using "strikes someone" when you simply mean 'affects someone' in a general sense. "Strikes" implies a sudden, often impactful, realization rather than a general influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strikes someone" functions as a verb phrase indicating a subjective experience. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable. It often suggests a sudden realization or impactful impression, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strikes someone" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a sudden realization or impression. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts, particularly news and media, as well as on wikis. Alternatives such as "occurs to someone" or "hits someone" can offer similar meanings depending on the desired nuance. When using "strikes someone", be sure that it accurately reflects a sudden or impactful realization rather than a general influence. Keep in mind that while the expression is correct, its connotation is important. It does not mean simply 'affects someone', rather implies a sudden impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occurs to someone

This alternative emphasizes a thought or idea coming to mind.

hits someone

Similar to 'strikes', but implies a more sudden or forceful realization.

dawns on someone

Suggests a gradual understanding or realization.

registers with someone

Implies that something is understood or noticed.

becomes apparent to someone

Focuses on the clarity and obviousness of something.

is clear to someone

Highlights the lack of ambiguity or confusion.

impresses someone

Indicates a strong positive or negative impact.

makes an impression on someone

Emphasizes the lasting effect on someone's mind or feelings.

is noticed by someone

Focuses on the act of being observed or recognized.

is perceived by someone

Highlights the subjective interpretation of something.

FAQs

What does "strikes someone" mean?

The phrase "strikes someone" refers to a sudden realization, thought, or impression that comes to a person. It implies a moment of understanding or recognition.

How can I use "strikes someone" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe how something affects someone's mind or emotions. For example, "The beauty of the painting "strikes someone" deeply."

What can I say instead of "strikes someone"?

You can use alternatives like "occurs to someone", "hits someone", or "dawns on someone" depending on the context.

Is "strikes someone" formal or informal?

"Strikes someone" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The context of the sentence will often determine the overall formality.