"Strikes me a great deal" in a negative way

Is it correct to use "Strikes me a great deal to connotes a negative feeling?

The rude behavior of the officer struck me a great deal. I didn't expect this from a professional person.


I don't have too much of a problem with that sentence. I'd interpret it to mean that the officer's behavior had an impact on you, and the officer's rudeness was very noticeable.

Collins meaning #9 says that strike means:

to affect or cause to affect deeply, suddenly, or radically

That said, the word is often used in a construct like struck me as __. So, perhaps one of these might be an improved way to convey your sentiments:

  • The officer's behavior struck me as rude.
  • The officer's rude behavior struck me as highly unprofessional.
  • The officer's unexpected rudeness struck me as very unprofessional.

but those changes would be mere suggestions to consider; you could opt to leave your sentence as is.


It seems that you are trying to emphasize the startling quality of the rude behavior. I would suggest

The rude behavior of the officer was striking. I didn't expect this from a professional person.

American Heritage defines striking as

Arresting the attention and producing a vivid impression on the sight or the mind.


Perhaps appalled is the word you are looking for:-

offended or shocked very much by something, because it is extremely unpleasant or bad