that struck me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that struck me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong impression or realization about something you encountered or observed. Example: "The beauty of the landscape was breathtaking, and the way the sunlight filtered through the trees was something that struck me deeply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The first thing that struck me was education.

The New York Times

The first thing that struck me was the coast.

Independent

"And that struck me as he said that.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it was the proximity that struck me.

The New Yorker

"There was something that struck me about him," says Malton.

The Guardian

It was the prose that struck me first.

The Guardian - Books

Here are some of the advisers' thoughts on debt that struck me.

The New York Times

Engelen greeted me with a half-ironic cheerfulness that struck me as very Dutch.

The New Yorker

"The thing that struck me is the normality of the place," said Mr. Allen.

The New York Times

"That's not something that struck me at first when I played at the Y.

The New York Times - Arts

The speaker that struck me most deeply was the first: James Fenton.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that struck me" to express a significant realization or impression you had after observing or experiencing something. It adds a personal touch to your narrative and emphasizes the impact of the event or observation.

Common error

While "that struck me" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "that was particularly noteworthy" or "that observation highlighted" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that struck me" functions as an introductory clause to express a personal observation or realization. It indicates a strong impression made on the speaker, often leading to a reflection or insight. Ludwig provides examples across different contexts where this phrase effectively conveys a subjective experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that struck me" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a significant realization or impression. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts and maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various types of communication. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic writing. Remember to use "that struck me" to add a personal touch to your writing and emphasize impactful moments. Ludwig's analysis shows that this phrase is widely accepted and understood, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that impressed me

Emphasizes a positive impact or admiration.

that caught my attention

Focuses on the act of noticing something.

that resonated with me

Highlights a sense of personal connection or agreement.

that made an impression on me

Highlights the lasting effect something had on the speaker.

that stood out to me

Implies something was noticeably different or important.

that registered with me

Suggests a delayed understanding or realization.

that dawned on me

Emphasizes a sudden realization.

that hit home

Implies something deeply affected the speaker personally.

that grabbed my interest

Emphasizes the arousal of curiosity.

that left a mark on me

Focuses on the lasting effect on the speaker's memory or emotions.

FAQs

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

You can use "that struck me" to introduce a realization or strong impression, for example, "The dedication of the volunteers was something "that struck me" during the event".

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

You can use alternatives like "that impressed me", "that caught my attention", or "that resonated with me" depending on the context.

Is "that struck me" formal or informal?

"That struck me" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. For very formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives.

What's the difference between "that struck me" and "that bothered me"?

"That struck me" indicates a notable impression or realization, while "that bothered me" implies something caused annoyance or concern. The former is neutral, the latter is negative.