struck a note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struck a note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something resonates emotionally or creates a particular feeling or response in a situation. Example: "Her speech struck a note of hope among the audience, inspiring them to take action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One shareholder struck a note of levity.

The New York Times

Your column struck a note.

The New York Times

Still, he struck a note of optimism.

The New York Times

But Cruddas struck a note of scepticism.

The Guardian - Opinion

But his statement struck a note of fiscal fortitude.

The New York Times

Redford struck a note of caution on the opening day.

The Guardian - Film

Even Austria, usually as strident as Germany on the euro, has struck a note of caution.

The Economist

In e-mail, Gabriela struck a note between irony and concern as she described her symptoms.

The New York Times

When everything seemed to be going exceptionally well I struck a note of caution.

The New York Times

The firm also struck a note of optimism about the quarter despite lackluster results.

The New York Times

Schwab, early in the week, struck a note of self-flagellation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "struck a note" when you want to convey that something resonated emotionally or intellectually with an audience or individual, leading to a specific reaction or realization. It's particularly effective in describing speeches, events, or creative works that had a notable impact.

Common error

Avoid using "struck a note" in contexts where you literally mean a musical note was played. The phrase is primarily idiomatic, referring to resonance or impact, not musical performance.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "struck a note" functions as a verbal expression, typically used within a clause to indicate that something resonated, had an impact, or evoked a particular feeling or response. This is well supported by Ludwig, which indicates that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "struck a note" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe something that resonated or had a notable impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember that it's best to avoid using "struck a note" in a literal sense, such as when describing musical performance. Consider alternatives like "resonated with" or "hit home" to provide more specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resonated with

Focuses on the act of evoking a feeling or agreement in someone.

hit home

Implies that something was personally relevant and impactful.

rang true

Suggests that something appeared or felt genuine and authentic.

made an impression

Highlights the act of creating a lasting effect on someone or something.

left its mark

Emphasizes the lasting impact or influence of something.

touched a nerve

Indicates that something sensitive or controversial was brought up.

found an echo

Suggests that something found a sympathetic response or resonance.

registered

Implies that something was noticed or understood.

had an effect

A more general phrase indicating any kind of influence or result.

created a response

Focuses on the act of causing a reaction or feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "struck a note" to indicate that something resonated with someone or created a particular feeling. For example, "Her speech "struck a note" of hope among the audience".

What can I say instead of "struck a note"?

You can use alternatives like "resonated with", "hit home", or "rang true" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "struck a chord" or "struck a note"?

Both "struck a chord" and "struck a note" are correct, but "struck a chord" often implies a deeper emotional connection or recognition, while "struck a note" can refer to a broader range of responses or impacts.

What is the difference between "struck a note" and "made an impression"?

"Struck a note" suggests a resonating or emotionally relevant impact, while "made an impression" is a more general term for creating a noticeable effect, whether positive or negative.