was struck by

USAGE SUMMARY

"was struck by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express surprise or amazement upon being presented with something. For example: "He was struck by the sheer beauty of the sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One was struck by lightning.

The New York Times

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 struck by his calmness.

The New Yorker

Ponce himself was struck by an arrow.

The New York Times

I was struck by grief.

The Guardian - Books

Day-Lewis was struck by their zeal.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was struck by David Miliband's performance.

The Guardian

Belshe was struck by their passive acceptance.

The New Yorker

I was struck by his solidity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was struck by" when you want to express a sudden realization or strong impression caused by something. Ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the impression.

Common error

Avoid using "struck by" in active voice constructions where it doesn't fit. For instance, instead of saying "The beauty struck me by surprise", use "I was struck by the beauty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was struck by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject experienced a sudden or powerful impression. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, supported by examples showing its use to convey surprise, admiration, or strong emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was struck by" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone experienced a notable impression or realization. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's versatile, fitting various contexts, particularly news and media, where it conveys observations and insights. While primarily neutral in tone, the impact of the phrase depends on the context, ranging from simple surprise to profound emotional resonance. Understanding this phrase's nuances allows for effective communication in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was impressed by

Indicates a positive reaction and admiration, rather than just simple surprise.

was affected by

Suggests a deeper impact or influence, often emotional or psychological.

was moved by

Emphasizes an emotional response of empathy or compassion.

was taken aback by

Highlights surprise and slight shock or bewilderment.

was astonished by

Implies a great level of surprise and disbelief.

was amazed by

Focuses on wonder and admiration, rather than simply surprise.

was captivated by

Suggests being charmed or fascinated, drawing attention and interest.

was influenced by

Highlights the impact and shaping of thoughts or actions.

was hit by

More direct and literal, suggesting a sudden realization or impact.

was jolted by

Indicates a sudden and often unsettling surprise.

FAQs

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

Use "was struck by" to indicate that someone experienced a strong feeling of surprise, admiration, or another emotion due to something. For example, "I was struck by the beauty of the landscape".

What can I say instead of "was struck by"?

You can use alternatives like "was impressed by", "was amazed by", or "was affected by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "was struck by" or "stricken by"?

"Was struck by" generally implies surprise or a strong impression, whereas "stricken by" usually refers to being afflicted by illness, grief, or misfortune. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "was struck by" and "was hit by"?

"Was hit by" implies a physical impact or a sudden negative event, while "was struck by" typically suggests a mental or emotional impact, often involving surprise or realization.