struck a chord

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struck a chord" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something elicited a strong emotional reaction in you. For example, "His heartfelt story of overcoming adversity struck a chord with me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They struck a chord.

The New York Times

It struck a chord.

The New York Times

That book struck a chord".

The New York Times - Books

"The subject struck a chord".

The New York Times

Those words struck a chord.

The New York Times

But it struck a chord.

The Economist

That struck a chord.

The New York Times

But this has struck a chord.

The Economist

That seems to have struck a chord.

The Economist

Arfee's death instantly struck a chord.

The Guardian

It also struck a chord in me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "struck a chord" when you want to convey that something evoked a strong emotional response or resonated deeply with someone.

Common error

Avoid using "struck a chord" when simply acknowledging agreement without a significant emotional connection; other expressions may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struck a chord" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that something resonated deeply or evoked a strong emotional response. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, which confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struck a chord" is a common and versatile idiom used to describe something that resonated deeply or evoked a strong emotional response. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. When using this phrase, aim to emphasize the emotional connection and impact, as evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples. While the phrase is typically neutral in tone, it's essential to ensure that the emotional depth it conveys is accurate and appropriate for the situation. Alternatives like "resonated with" or "rang true" can offer subtle nuances depending on your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resonated with

Emphasizes the emotional connection and lasting impact of an idea or message.

rang true

Highlights the authenticity and genuineness of something, suggesting it aligned with existing beliefs or feelings.

hit home

Focuses on the personal and direct impact something had on someone.

connected deeply

Emphasizes the profound level of emotional or intellectual connection established.

found favor

Indicates that something was well-received and appreciated.

was well received

Highlights the positive reaction something garnered from an audience or individual.

met with approval

Suggests that something was officially endorsed or positively regarded.

gained traction

Emphasizes the growing popularity and acceptance of an idea or movement.

caught on

Focuses on the widespread adoption or understanding of something.

was compelling

Highlights the persuasive and engaging nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "struck a chord" to indicate that something resonated deeply or evoked a strong emotional response. For example, "Her story of resilience "struck a chord" with the audience".

What does it mean when something "strikes a chord"?

When something "strikes a chord", it means it resonates deeply with someone, evoking a strong emotional response or feeling of connection. It implies that the message or idea is particularly meaningful or relevant to the person.

What are some alternatives to "struck a chord"?

Some alternatives to "struck a chord" include "resonated with", "rang true", or "hit home". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "struck a chord with" or "struck a chord in"?

While both are grammatically correct, "struck a chord with" is more common when referring to a general audience or group, while "struck a chord in" is typically used when referring to an individual. For example, "The speech struck a chord with voters" versus "The speech "struck a chord" in her".