we are struck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are struck" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of being deeply affected or impressed by something, often in a surprising or emotional way. Example: "As we watched the breathtaking sunset, we are struck by the beauty of nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

We are struck by the oddness of speech in earlier America.

The New York Times - Books

In reading these contemporary accounts of the Essenes, we are struck by two kinds of resemblance.

The New Yorker

What of those unmanageable moments, where we are struck by beauty and meaning we had not foreseen?

The Guardian - Opinion

And we are struck by how rarely some analysts—including Wang explore alternative explanations in this way.

The Washington Post

We are struck above all by how ephemeral the expressions, so full of vitality in the moment, are; and indeed by the brevity of the lives themselves.

The New York Times

"We are struck by the unscrupulousness of the reckless maneuver that the commander of the Costa Concordia made near the island of Giglio," he told reporters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"We are striking the targets that are available".

The New York Times

We are stricken by no plague of locusts.

The Guardian

We are striking our enemies before they can strike us again".

The New York Times

They understand what we are striking for.

Huffington Post

We were struck by two things.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are struck" to introduce an observation or realization that has a significant impact on your thinking or understanding. This phrase is effective for conveying a sense of surprise, insight, or emotional connection.

Common error

Avoid using "we are struck" when a more direct verb would be clearer. For example, instead of saying "we are struck by the data", consider "the data surprises us" or "the data impresses us" for better clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are struck" primarily functions as an introductory expression, used to signal that the speaker or writer has noticed something noteworthy or significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to express a feeling of being deeply affected or impressed by something, often in a surprising or emotional way. It serves to highlight an observation or realization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

44%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are struck" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to introduce a significant observation or realization. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it conveys a feeling of being deeply affected or impressed by something. Predominantly found in news media and scientific contexts, it serves to draw attention to noteworthy points. While generally neutral in register, writers should consider using more direct verbs in some cases to ensure clarity. By avoiding common errors and understanding its usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "we are struck" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are impressed by

Replaces "struck" with "impressed", emphasizing a positive reaction and admiration.

we are awestruck by

Substitutes "struck" with "awestruck", emphasizing a feeling of reverence and wonder.

we are amazed by

Substitutes "struck" with "amazed", highlighting a feeling of great surprise and wonder.

we are astonished by

Replaces "struck" with "astonished", implying a strong sense of surprise and disbelief.

we are taken aback by

Uses "taken aback" instead of "struck", suggesting a feeling of surprise and slight shock.

we find ourselves impressed by

Adds "find ourselves" for a more reflective tone, while retaining the sense of admiration.

we are deeply affected by

Replaces "struck" with "deeply affected", highlighting a profound emotional or psychological impact.

we are moved by

Changes "struck" to "moved", indicating a deep emotional impact.

it is striking to us that

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the observation as being particularly noticeable or remarkable.

we are captivated by

Uses "captivated" instead of "struck", suggesting a strong feeling of fascination and attraction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we are struck" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we are impressed by", "it is striking to us that", or "we are astonished by".

What does "we are struck" typically imply in academic writing?

In academic writing, "we are struck" often indicates that the authors find something particularly noteworthy or significant in their research, prompting further analysis or discussion. It highlights a key observation that warrants attention.

Is "we are struck with" grammatically different from "we are struck by"?

While both can be grammatically correct depending on the context, "we are struck by" is far more common and generally preferred when referring to being impressed or surprised by something. "We are struck with" is typically used when referring to being afflicted or burdened with something.

Can "we are struck" be used in negative contexts?

Yes, "we are struck" can be used to express negative observations or feelings. For example, "we are struck by the inconsistencies in the data" indicates a negative observation about the data.