struck him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struck him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical action of hitting someone or to convey a sudden realization or impact on someone emotionally or mentally. Example: "The news struck him like a bolt of lightning, leaving him speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He struck him out".

The New Yorker

Two bullets struck him.

The New Yorker

That struck him as reasonable.

The New York Times

That struck him as funny.

The New York Times

"Before long it struck him.

The Economist

A fresh idea struck him.

The New Yorker

Perez struck him out.

The Washington Post

It also struck him.

The New York Times

Otherwise, Saman would not have struck him.

The New York Times - Magazine

But something about her query struck him.

The New York Times - Food

Wnendt said this struck him, too.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struck him" to indicate a sudden realization, ensure the context clearly implies this meaning to avoid misinterpretation as a physical strike. For example, "The realization that he was alone struck him with full force."

Common error

Avoid using "struck him" in ambiguous contexts where the reader might confuse a metaphorical impact with a literal physical assault. Rephrase to be clearer; for example, instead of "The accusation struck him," consider "He was deeply affected by the accusation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struck him" functions primarily as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating either a physical action or a mental realization. As Ludwig AI suggests, it conveys a direct impact, whether literal or figurative. Examples in the provided data illustrate both uses clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "struck him" is a versatile expression primarily used to describe either a physical impact or a sudden realization. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of potential ambiguity and choose more specific alternatives like "hit him" or "occurred to him" to ensure clarity. Top authoritative sources such as The New York Times frequently employ the phrase, indicating its widespread acceptance in quality writing. Being mindful of context is crucial to effective communication with "struck him".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hit him

A direct synonym focusing on the physical act of striking.

it hit him

Rephrases the sentence structure to focus on the event.

impacted him

Emphasizes the effect or influence on him, rather than a physical blow.

affected him

Similar to 'impacted', but can also refer to emotional influence.

impressed him

Focuses on admiration or a positive reaction.

occurred to him

Emphasizes a sudden thought or realization.

dawned on him

Similar to 'occurred to him', suggesting a gradual understanding.

assailed him

Suggests a forceful impact, often negative or overwhelming.

smote him

An archaic or literary term for striking someone.

befell him

Indicates something happened to him, often unexpected or unfortunate.

FAQs

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

You can use "struck him" to describe a physical impact, as in "The ball struck him in the head", or to describe a sudden realization or thought, as in "The idea struck him suddenly".

What are some alternatives to using "struck him"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "hit him", "affected him", "occurred to him", or "impressed him".

Is "struck him" formal or informal?

"Struck him" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal writing might benefit from alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "struck him" and "hit him"?

While both can refer to physical impact, "struck him" can also imply a mental or emotional impact, whereas "hit him" is typically limited to physical contact. "The idea struck him" conveys a different meaning than "The idea hit him."