struck a spark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struck a spark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the moment when an idea, emotion, or connection is ignited or initiated, often in a creative or inspirational context. Example: "When she shared her vision for the project, it struck a spark in the team, motivating everyone to contribute their best ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Something clearly struck a spark.

The Guardian - Music

And at the time when Mr Chaudhry had struck a spark of judicial independence on the Supreme Court, the judges might have read this as plain English.

The Economist

Had the revue's five singers been given room to interpret the songs in a more personal way, the images and voices might have struck a spark.

The New York Times

Wharton was even more grudging in "Life and I," an autobiographical fragment written in the nineteen-twenties, saying of Bahlmann that "my good little governess was cultivated & conscientious, but she never struck a spark from me, she never threw a new light on any subject".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Kevin Burdette, a competent bass, did his best to strike a spark as Leporello; Scott Altman was an able Masetto.

The New York Times - Arts

No statistics about a school's supposed excellence can provide a clue about which professors will strike a spark in which students.

The New York Times

But Stretton has a problem still in getting his dancers to strike a spark from this production's rather doughy texture.

The Guardian

Conversations with actresses who have played Hedda and with directors of several productions of the play suggest that this dramatic figure strikes a spark in many modern hearts.

The New York Times

The scary later scenes, which portray Hitler as a ranting backroom orator, suggest how in a public forum his toxic mixture of high-pitched fury and egomania could strike a spark and ignite mob violence.

The New York Times

Understandably, Mr. Parigi wants to exercise some control -- besides striking a spark while pinching pennies -- and the comedy allows him to maintain a knowing pitch, just enough to keep "Love Object" brisk.

The New York Times

So let the unicorns of blizzard rage about their business on the Wanney Hills and write a big word with their icy hooves that means my garden and returning lawn, where light and memory can strike a spark from crocuses like broken glass.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "struck a spark" to vividly describe moments when an idea or connection suddenly ignites. It's particularly effective when discussing creativity or relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "struck a spark" in literal contexts where you're describing physical sparks. The phrase is almost exclusively used metaphorically to describe the beginning of something non-physical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struck a spark" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the sudden beginning or initiation of something, often an idea, feeling, or relationship. Ludwig AI suggests that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

14%

Books

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic expression "struck a spark" is used to describe the beginning of something, often an idea, feeling, or connection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While grammatically sound and versatile, it’s best suited for descriptive writing rather than formal academic or scientific contexts. Key alternatives include "ignited a flame" and "sparked an idea". It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ignited a flame

Emphasizes the beginning of something with intensity.

Sparked an idea

Focuses specifically on the creation of a new idea.

Kindled enthusiasm

Highlights the generation of excitement and eagerness.

Triggered a reaction

Implies causing a response, often emotional or behavioral.

Set off a chain reaction

Suggests initiating a series of events or consequences.

Initiated a process

Focuses on starting a sequence of actions or steps.

Catalyzed change

Emphasizes accelerating or causing a transformation.

Gave rise to

Formal way to indicate the beginning or cause of something.

Brought about

Similar to 'gave rise to', but can be less formal.

Prompted action

Highlights initiating a particular activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "struck a spark" to describe the moment an idea, emotion, or connection is ignited. For example, "Her presentation "struck a spark" in the audience, leading to a lively discussion".

What's a good alternative to "struck a spark"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "ignited a flame", "sparked an idea", or "kindled enthusiasm".

Is "struck a spark" formal or informal?

"Struck a spark" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in descriptive writing than in strict academic prose.

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

When something "strikes a spark", it means that it initiates or triggers something else, often a sudden feeling, idea, or connection. It suggests a beginning or a catalyst for further development.