struck by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struck by" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to be affected suddenly and dramatically by a forceful event. Example: She was struck by the beauty of the landscape before her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One was struck by lightning.

The New York Times

Others are struck by his colourful demeanour.

Independent

Qadhi was struck by this analytical approach.

The New York Times - Magazine

In 1940 he was struck by polio.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gardner was struck by Haysom's accent.

The New Yorker

I was very struck by that.

The New Yorker

I was also struck by the smell.

The New York Times

"They would all be struck by lightning".

The New York Times

"I was really struck by something yesterday.

The New Yorker

I had been struck by his remarks.

The New Yorker

They were struck by the Stansted train.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struck by" in a sentence, ensure that the subject clearly identifies who or what is experiencing the impact or realization.

Common error

Avoid using "struck by" when an active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The town was struck by a tornado", consider "A tornado struck the town" for a more forceful and concise statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struck by" functions primarily as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of an action or influence. It highlights the impact or effect on the subject, as seen in examples from Ludwig like "Qadhi was struck by this analytical approach".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "struck by" is a versatile phrase used to express sudden impact or realization. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the subject experiencing the impact. While grammatically sound, consider active voice alternatives for directness and impact. Avoid confusion with similar phrases such as ""affected by"", which may imply more gradual changes. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase "struck by" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affected by

This alternative emphasizes the impact or influence of something on someone or something else.

impressed by

This suggests a positive reaction of admiration or respect towards something.

influenced by

This highlights the effect something has on shaping thoughts, actions, or decisions.

impacted by

This emphasizes the force or effect that something has on a situation or person.

astonished by

This conveys a sense of great surprise or amazement.

amazed by

This indicates being filled with wonder or surprise.

overwhelmed by

This suggests being overpowered by a feeling or situation.

taken aback by

This conveys a sense of surprise and slight shock.

moved by

This suggests being emotionally affected by something.

awakened by

This emphasizes sudden realization or awareness.

FAQs

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

Use "struck by" to indicate a sudden and forceful impact or realization. For example, "He was "struck by" the magnitude of the challenge ahead."

What are some alternatives to "struck by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "affected by", "impressed by", or "influenced by".

Is it correct to say "I am struck by" or should I use another phrasing?

"I am "struck by"" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a strong impression or feeling. There's no need to avoid it.

What's the difference between "struck by" and "affected by"?

"Struck by" often implies a more sudden and immediate impact, while ""affected by"" suggests a more gradual or ongoing influence. For example, a person might be ""struck by"" a beautiful painting at first sight, but ""affected by"" a long illness.