struck a rock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struck a rock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone encounters an obstacle or difficulty, often unexpectedly. Example: "During our hike, we struck a rock that blocked our path, forcing us to find an alternative route."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The spring Hippocrene on Mount Helicon was believed to have been created when the hoof of Pegasus struck a rock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The giant ship belonging to the world's biggest cruise firm, Carnival, struck a rock on 13 January.

Independent

An initial report indicated that the boat had struck a rock and later sank, the statement said.

The New York Times

The company estimates that the tire was first damaged after it struck a rock or other object.

The New York Times

He lost his balance when he touched a (hidden)  rock and was projected forward until his head struck a rock about 8 metres from the piste".

Independent

The blaze was sparked by employees of the company and a contractor who struck a rock with a bulldozer, prosecutors said, sending sparks into the dry ground.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

One slogan from the protest was, "You strike a woman, you strike a rock".

The New York Times

The authorities say a spark from a mower striking a rock started a brush fire at Camp Pendleton that closed Interstate 5 this week.

The New York Times

But, over the years, scholars and other researchers have voiced doubt that there was treasure on board when the Hussar went down after striking a rock.

The New York Times

Mr. Adebimpe, a slightly lumpy 29-year-old with permanently watery eyes and thick glasses, seems incapable of striking a rock star pose.

The New York Times - Arts

The labels tell us we are looking at hairs from Muhammad's beard, the staff that Moses used to strike a rock in the desert, King David's sword and a turban worn by Joseph.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing accidents or incidents involving vehicles or vessels, use "struck a rock" to clearly indicate the cause of the damage or grounding.

Common error

Avoid using "struck a rock" metaphorically when a more appropriate idiom or phrase exists to describe encountering difficulties or setbacks. The phrase is best reserved for literal instances of physical impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struck a rock" primarily functions as a narrative element within sentences, describing a specific event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability for detailing incidents involving physical impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

19%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "struck a rock" is a common phrase used to describe a physical collision with a rock, often resulting in damage or disruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and broadly applicable. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts from news reports to encyclopedic entries. While the phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, careful consideration should be given to avoiding its misuse in figurative contexts, reserving it for literal descriptions of physical impact. Alternatives like "ran aground" or "collided with" may be more precise depending on the specific scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hit a stone

Replaces 'rock' with a synonym, slightly altering the image but maintaining the core meaning of impact with a hard object.

ran into a rock

Emphasizes movement leading to the impact, suitable when describing vehicles or people in motion.

collided with a boulder

Uses more descriptive words to emphasize the size of the obstacle, implying a more forceful impact.

smashed into a rock

Highlights the force of the impact, suggesting damage or destruction.

impacted a rocky surface

More formal and descriptive, focusing on the type of surface rather than a specific rock.

grounded on a rock

Typically used to describe a boat or ship hitting a rock and becoming stuck.

bumped against a rock

Suggests a lighter impact, perhaps without significant damage.

grazed a rock

Implies a glancing blow or minimal contact with the rock.

encountered a rock

More general, simply indicating the presence of a rock as an obstacle.

struck an obstacle

A broader term that can encompass various impediments, not just rocks.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "struck a rock"?

Generally, "struck a rock" means that an object, such as a vehicle or ship, physically collided with a rock. It often implies damage or an unexpected stop.

Is it better to say "hit a rock" or "struck a rock"?

Both "hit a rock" and "struck a rock" are correct and understandable. "Struck a rock" may sound slightly more formal, but the choice often depends on the context and desired tone.

What's a good alternative to "struck a rock" in a boating context?

In boating, alternatives like "ran aground" or "hit a submerged object" might be more precise depending on the situation.

How can I avoid similar accidents to something that "struck a rock"?

Prevention depends on the context. For vehicles, it involves careful driving. For ships, it's about using accurate navigational charts and avoiding shallow or poorly marked waters.