struck me like

USAGE SUMMARY

"struck me like" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express the impact or effect that something had on someone. Example: The beauty of the sunset struck me like a bolt of lightning, leaving me in awe of the breathtaking colors and peaceful atmosphere.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I haven't found the subject that's struck me like lightning.

The New York Times

The book struck me like a bolt from the blue.

The Guardian - Books

The idea struck me like a lightning bolt.

The Times

And at both of them something suddenly struck me like a subwoofer in the gut.

The New York Times - Arts

One little item in the article, though, struck me like a needle in the eye.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, he was transformed by the experience and recalled it in his memoirs: "Shakespeare, coming upon me unaware, struck me like a thunderbolt".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

He is now an organiser, or what the project calls a "Municipal Liaison", a title that strikes me, like so much of NaNoWriMo's argot, as deliberately prosaic.

The Guardian - Books

10.33am BST Clegg's interview with Andrew Marr - summary One of my colleagues was wondering whether "car crash" was an appropriate word to use about Nick Clegg's interview with Andrew Marr, although it did not strike me like that.

The Guardian

"It strikes me like AA online," says Anne Peters, an endocrinologist at the University of Southern California, where she is director of the Clinical Diabetes Program.

Forbes

At its height, it would strike me like some mass possession Jonestown or the Salem Witch Trials.

Vice

The cold water strikes me like a hammer, with such force that I can hear it pounding.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "struck me like" with strong imagery to create a memorable effect on the reader. For example, "The news struck me like a tidal wave."

Common error

Avoid overusing "struck me like" with unrealistic comparisons. While impactful, excessive hyperbole can weaken your writing. Choose comparisons that resonate with the context and maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struck me like" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a sudden and impactful realization or emotional experience. Ludwig shows the phrase is used to convey the intensity and immediacy of the impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struck me like" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe a sudden and impactful realization or emotional experience. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's essential to avoid overusing it or employing unrealistic comparisons. Remember, using powerful imagery enhances the effect on the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hit me like a ton of bricks

Emphasizes the overwhelming and forceful nature of the realization.

it dawned on me

Focuses on the gradual unfolding of understanding.

it hit home

Highlights the personal and emotional resonance of the realization.

it registered with me

Emphasizes the cognitive process of understanding and acceptance.

the penny dropped

Suggests a sudden and clear understanding after a period of confusion.

it became clear

Indicates the emergence of clarity and understanding.

i realized suddenly

Highlights the suddenness and immediacy of the realization.

it jolted me

Implies a sudden and unexpected shock or surprise.

i had an epiphany

Refers to a profound and life-changing realization.

the significance hit me

Focuses on the understanding of importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "struck me like" in a sentence?

You can use "struck me like" to describe a sudden realization or impact. For example, "The solution to the problem struck me like a bolt of lightning."

What does "struck me like" mean?

"Struck me like" means that something had a sudden and significant impact on someone, often leading to a realization or understanding.

What can I say instead of "struck me like"?

Alternatives include "hit me like a ton of bricks", "it dawned on me", or "it hit home", depending on the context.

Is "struck me like" formal or informal?

"Struck me like" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain professional settings.