Mastering “Strike Up”: A Comprehensive Guide

The phrasal verb “strike up” is a valuable addition to any English learner’s vocabulary. It signifies initiating something, often a conversation, a relationship, or a musical performance.

Understanding how to use “strike up” correctly can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and naturally in both spoken and written English. This guide is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of “strike up,” covering its definition, structure, usage, common mistakes, and providing ample practice opportunities.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently incorporate “strike up” into your everyday language.

Table of Contents

• Definition of “Strike Up”
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of “Strike Up”
• Examples of “Strike Up” in Sentences
• Striking Up a Conversation
• Striking Up a Relationship
• Striking Up Music or Sounds
• Striking Up an Activity or Habit
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

Definition of “Strike Up”

“Strike up” is a phrasal verb, which means it’s a combination of a verb (“strike”) and a particle (usually a preposition or adverb – in this case, “up”). Phrasal verbs often have meanings that are different from the individual words that make them up.

“Strike up” typically means to begin or start something, often something that requires some effort or initiative. It is commonly used in the following contexts:

• Starting a conversation: To initiate a conversation with someone.
• Forming a relationship: To begin a friendship or romantic relationship.
• Beginning a musical performance: To start playing music.
• Initiating an activity: To start a new activity or habit.

The nuance of “strike up” often implies a sense of spontaneity or suddenness. It suggests that the action begins somewhat unexpectedly or without extensive pre-planning.

It adds a dynamic and engaging element to the description of the action.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of the phrasal verb “strike up” is relatively straightforward. It consists of the verb “strike” and the particle “up.” The object of the verb can either come between “strike” and “up” or after “up,” depending on its length and complexity.

Let’s examine the common structural patterns:

• Strike + up + [noun phrase]: This is the most common structure. For example, “They struck up a conversation.”
• Strike + [noun phrase] + up: This structure is typically used when the noun phrase is long or complex. For example, “They struck a lively debate about the economy up.”

The verb “strike” can be conjugated in various tenses, such as present, past, future, and perfect tenses. The particle “up” remains constant.

Here’s how “strike up” can be conjugated:

• Present Simple: I/You/We/They strike up; He/She/It strikes up
• Past Simple: Struck up
• Future Simple: Will strike up
• Present Continuous: Am/Is/Are striking up
• Past Continuous: Was/Were striking up
• Present Perfect: Have/Has struck up
• Past Perfect: Had struck up

Understanding these structural variations allows for flexibility and precision in sentence construction. The placement of the object and the verb tense are crucial for conveying the intended meaning accurately.

Types and Categories of “Strike Up”

“Strike up” can be categorized based on the type of activity or interaction it initiates. While the core meaning remains consistent, understanding these categories can help you appreciate the diverse applications of this phrasal verb.

Striking Up a Conversation

This is perhaps the most common usage. It refers to initiating a dialogue or discussion with someone, often someone you don’t know well or at all.

Striking Up a Relationship

This refers to the beginning of a friendship, romantic relationship, or other type of interpersonal connection. It suggests a process of getting to know someone and forming a bond.

Striking Up Music or Sounds

This usage describes the start of a musical performance or the creation of sounds, often in a spontaneous or unplanned manner. It can also refer to the playing of a musical instrument.

Striking Up an Activity or Habit

This refers to starting a new activity, hobby, or habit. It often implies a deliberate decision to engage in something new.

Examples of “Strike Up” in Sentences

The following sections provide extensive examples of “strike up” in various contexts. Each table includes a range of sentences to illustrate the different ways this phrasal verb can be used.

Striking Up a Conversation

The following table provides examples of “strike up” used in the context of starting a conversation. Notice how the sentences vary in terms of the people involved, the setting, and the topic of conversation.

Sentence	Explanation
She struck up a conversation with the man sitting next to her on the plane.	She initiated a conversation with a stranger.
I struck up a friendly chat with the barista while waiting for my coffee.	I started a casual conversation with the coffee shop employee.
They struck up a lively debate about politics at the dinner party.	They began an energetic discussion about political issues.
He struck up an interesting conversation about art with the museum curator.	He initiated a conversation about art with an expert.
We struck up a conversation about the weather while waiting in line.	We started a conversation about a common, neutral topic.
The tourist struck up a conversation with a local resident to ask for directions.	The tourist initiated a conversation to get information.
The children struck up a conversation about their favorite toys.	The children began talking about their preferred playthings.
The colleagues struck up a conversation about the upcoming project.	The colleagues started discussing their work.
He struck up a conversation with the author at the book signing.	He initiated a conversation with a writer at an event.
She struck up a conversation with the elderly woman on the park bench.	She began talking to an older person in a public space.
They struck up a conversation about travel experiences.	They began discussing their experiences while traveling.
I struck up a conversation about books with the librarian.	I initiated a conversation about literature with a librarian.
He struck up a conversation about movies with a fellow film enthusiast.	He began talking about films with someone who loves movies.
She struck up a conversation about music with the guitarist.	She initiated a conversation about music with a musician.
The students struck up a conversation about their homework.	The students started discussing their academic assignments.
The neighbors struck up a conversation about their gardens.	The neighbors began talking about their gardens.
The commuters struck up a conversation about the traffic.	The commuters started discussing the traffic conditions.
The athletes struck up a conversation about their training routines.	The athletes began talking about their workout schedules.
The artists struck up a conversation about their latest projects.	The artists started discussing their recent artistic endeavors.
The scientists struck up a conversation about their research.	The scientists began talking about their scientific investigations.
The two strangers struck up a conversation while waiting for the bus.	The two strangers began talking to each other while they waited.
I struck up a conversation with the dog walker in the park this morning.	I began talking to a person walking their dog in the park.
She struck up a conversation with the street performer after the show.	She began talking to the artist after their performance.

Striking Up a Relationship

This table showcases examples of “strike up” in the context of forming a relationship, whether it be a friendship, a romantic partnership, or a professional connection. Notice the emphasis on the beginning of a new interpersonal connection.

Sentence	Explanation
They struck up a close friendship after meeting at university.	They formed a strong bond of friendship.
He struck up a romantic relationship with his colleague.	He started dating someone he works with.
She struck up a professional relationship with her mentor.	She developed a working relationship with someone who guides her.
The two musicians struck up a collaborative partnership.	The musicians started working together on a project.
They struck up an unlikely friendship despite their different backgrounds.	They formed a friendship even though they come from different places.
She struck up a warm friendship with her new neighbor.	She developed a friendly relationship with the person living next door.
The students struck up a supportive friendship during their studies.	The students formed a friendship where they helped each other.
The travelers struck up a bond on their backpacking trip.	The travelers formed a close connection during their journey.
The volunteers struck up a camaraderie while working together.	The volunteers developed a sense of friendship and teamwork.
The business partners struck up a profitable relationship.	The business partners formed a connection that led to financial success.
They struck up a long-distance relationship after meeting online.	They began a romantic relationship despite living far apart.
She struck up a mentorship with a senior executive.	She started a relationship where a senior executive guides her career.
The artists struck up a creative collaboration.	The artists began working together on artistic projects.
The activists struck up a partnership to fight for social justice.	The activists began working together to promote social equality.
The neighbors struck up a friendly rivalry over their gardens.	The neighbors started a competitive but friendly relationship.
The teammates struck up a strong bond of trust.	The teammates formed a relationship based on mutual trust.
The pen pals struck up a correspondence that lasted for years.	The pen pals began writing letters to each other over a long period.
The former rivals struck up an unexpected friendship.	The people who had been rivals began a friendship.
The siblings struck up a closer relationship as they grew older.	The siblings developed a stronger bond as they matured.
They struck up a working relationship on the project.	They began to work together on the project.
She struck up a casual relationship with a guy she met online.	She started dating someone she met online.
I struck up a friendship with my new roommate.	I became friends with the person who lives with me.
He struck up a relationship with his personal trainer.	He began dating his personal trainer.

Striking Up Music or Sounds

This table provides examples of “strike up” in the context of starting a musical performance or creating sounds. The sentences often convey a sense of energy and spontaneity.

Sentence	Explanation
The band struck up a lively tune as the dancers took to the floor.	The band began playing an energetic song.
The orchestra struck up a powerful symphony.	The orchestra started playing an impressive piece of music.
The children struck up a chorus of laughter.	The children began laughing together.
The birds struck up a cheerful song at dawn.	The birds started singing happily in the morning.
The protesters struck up a chant as they marched.	The protesters began repeating a slogan rhythmically.
The buskers struck up a melody on their guitars.	The street musicians started playing a tune on their guitars.
The choir struck up a hymn during the service.	The choir began singing a religious song.
The partygoers struck up a singalong to their favorite song.	The people at the party started singing together.
The drummer struck up a rhythm on his drum set.	The drummer began playing a beat on his drums.
The wind struck up a howling sound through the trees.	The wind began making a loud, eerie noise.
The orchestra struck up a waltz for the ballroom dancers.	The orchestra began playing a waltz to accompany the dancers.
The mariachi band struck up a traditional song.	The mariachi band started playing a traditional Mexican song.
The bagpipers struck up a rousing tune at the festival.	The bagpipers began playing an exciting song at the festival.
The a cappella group struck up a harmonious melody.	The a cappella group started singing a pleasing tune.
The church bells struck up a celebratory peal.	The church bells began ringing joyfully.
The crowd struck up a cheer when the team scored.	The crowd started shouting in excitement when the team scored.
The frogs struck up a croaking chorus in the pond.	The frogs began croaking together in the pond.
The crickets struck up a chirping symphony at night.	The crickets started chirping together at night.
The children struck up a clapping rhythm.	The children began clapping in a rhythmic pattern.
The musicians struck up a jam session after the concert.	The musicians started an informal, impromptu performance.
The band struck up a new song.	The band began to play a new song.
The orchestra struck up the national anthem.	The orchestra started playing the national anthem.
The jazz band struck up a smooth tune.	The jazz band began to play a melodic tune.

Striking Up an Activity or Habit

This table provides examples of “strike up” used to describe starting a new activity or habit. The sentences often imply a sense of initiative and intention.

Sentence	Explanation
He struck up a daily exercise routine to improve his health.	He started exercising every day.
She struck up a new hobby of painting landscapes.	She began painting landscapes as a new pastime.
They struck up a volunteer program at the local shelter.	They started a program to help at the animal shelter.
He struck up a habit of reading before bed.	He began reading regularly before going to sleep.
She struck up a campaign to raise awareness about climate change.	She started an organized effort to promote awareness.
The students struck up a study group to prepare for the exams.	The students started studying together.
The community struck up a fundraising effort for the new park.	The community began raising money for the park.
The employees struck up a petition to improve working conditions.	The employees started a formal request to improve their jobs.
The company struck up a partnership with a local charity.	The company began working with a charitable organization.
He struck up a project to renovate his house.	He started a project to improve his home.
She struck up a blog to share her experiences.	She began writing a blog to share her stories.
They struck up a book club to discuss their favorite books.	They started a group to talk about books.
He struck up a mentorship program for young entrepreneurs.	He began a program to guide young business owners.
She struck up a yoga practice to reduce stress.	She started doing yoga regularly to relax.
The school struck up a recycling program to protect the environment.	The school began a program to recycle materials.
The city struck up a campaign to promote tourism.	The city started an effort to attract visitors.
The organization struck up a series of workshops to educate the public.	The organization began holding workshops to inform people.
The team struck up a new strategy to win the game.	The team started using a new plan to succeed.
The restaurant struck up a delivery service to cater to more customers.	The restaurant began offering delivery to reach more people.
The artist struck up a series of exhibitions to showcase her work.	The artist began holding exhibitions to display her art.
He struck up a meditation routine every morning.	He began to meditate every morning.
She struck up a new workout program.	She began a new workout routine.
They struck up a cleaning schedule for the house.	They began to clean the house on a schedule.

Usage Rules

While “strike up” is generally straightforward, there are some important usage rules to keep in mind:

• Appropriate Context: “Strike up” is best used when describing the beginning of something that involves initiative or effort. It is not typically used for actions that start automatically or passively.
• Object Placement: As mentioned earlier, the object can come between “strike” and “up” or after “up.” Choose the placement that sounds most natural and avoids awkward phrasing.
• Tense Consistency: Ensure that the tense of “strike” is consistent with the rest of the sentence and the timeline of the events being described.
• Formal vs. Informal: “Strike up” is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider using a more sophisticated synonym like “initiate” or “commence.”

It’s also important to note that “strike up” is often used with nouns that represent activities, relationships, or forms of communication. Avoid using it with nouns that refer to physical objects or states of being.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes that English learners make when using “strike up,” along with corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
I striked up a conversation.	I struck up a conversation.	The past tense of “strike” is “struck,” not “striked.”
She strike up a friendship.	She struck up a friendship.	The verb must agree with the subject in tense and number.
They struck up it.	They struck it up. / They struck up the music.	Pronouns usually go between “strike” and “up”. With a longer noun phrase, either order is correct.
We are strike up a meeting.	We are striking up a meeting.	Use the correct form of the verb “strike” in the present continuous tense.
He struck up to conversation.	He struck up a conversation.	“Strike up” is followed by a noun phrase, often with the article “a.”
They struck up the door.	[Incorrect usage]	“Strike up” is not used with physical objects like “door.”
I will strike up to go.	[Incorrect usage]	“Strike up” is not used to describe starting to go somewhere.
She struck up happiness.	[Incorrect usage]	“Strike up” is not typically used with abstract nouns like “happiness.”

By being aware of these common errors, you can avoid making them in your own writing and speaking.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “strike up” with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “strike up.”

1. They __________ a conversation about their favorite movies.
2. She __________ a friendship with her new colleague.
3. The band __________ a lively tune to get the crowd dancing.
4. He __________ a habit of reading before bed.
5. We __________ a plan to save the environment.
6. I __________ a chat with my neighbor about the weather.
7. The orchestra __________ a symphony that moved the audience to tears.
8. She __________ a new hobby of collecting stamps.
9. They __________ a partnership to start a business.
10. He __________ a courage to ask her out on a date.

Answer Key:

1. struck up
2. struck up
3. struck up
4. struck up
5. struck up
6. struck up
7. struck up
8. struck up
9. struck up
10. struck up

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using “strike up.”

1. He began a conversation with the woman at the coffee shop.
2. She started a friendship with her new roommate.
3. The musicians began to play a song.
4. I am going to begin a new exercise routine.
5. They started a partnership to help the homeless.
6. The students began a study group before the exams.
7. The family started a tradition of having Sunday brunch.
8. The company began a volunteer program.
9. The neighbors began a friendly competition.
10. The travelers began a conversation about their adventures.

Answer Key:

1. He struck up a conversation with the woman at the coffee shop.
2. She struck up a friendship with her new roommate.
3. The musicians struck up a song.
4. I am going to strike up a new exercise routine.
5. They struck up a partnership to help the homeless.
6. The students struck up a study group before the exams.
7. The family struck up a tradition of having Sunday brunch.
8. The company struck up a volunteer program.
9. The neighbors struck up a friendly competition.
10. The travelers struck up a conversation about their adventures.

Exercise 3: Correct the sentences that use “strike up” incorrectly. If the sentence is correct, write “Correct.”

1. She striked up a band.
2. They struck up a cold.
3. They struck up a plan.
4. He strike up a friendship.
5. I struck up a conversation with her.
6. She struck up to sing.
7. The band struck up a song.
8. He struck up the chair.
9. We are striking up a new project.
10. She struck up it.

Answer Key:

1. She struck up a band.
2. [Incorrect]
3. Correct
4. He struck up a friendship.
5. Correct
6. [Incorrect]
7. Correct
8. [Incorrect]
9. Correct
10. She struck it up.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, it’s helpful to understand the subtle nuances of “strike up” and its relationship to other similar phrasal verbs. For example, “strike up” is similar to “start up” but often implies a greater degree of spontaneity or initiative.

“Begin” is a more formal synonym but lacks the dynamic feel of “strike up.”

Additionally, consider how cultural context can influence the use of “strike up.” In some cultures, it may be more common to strike up conversations with strangers than in others. Being aware of these cultural differences can help you use “strike up” appropriately in various situations.

Furthermore, exploring idiomatic expressions that incorporate “strike” can broaden your understanding of this verb’s versatility. For instance, “strike while the iron is hot” is a common idiom that uses “strike” in a completely different sense.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between “strike up” and “start up”?

   While both phrasal verbs mean to begin something, “strike up” often implies a more spontaneous or unplanned beginning, especially in the context of conversations or relationships. “Start up” is generally used for machines, businesses, or more formalized processes.

2. Can I use “strike up” with any noun?

   No, “strike up” is best used with nouns that represent activities, relationships, musical performances, or forms of communication. Avoid using it with physical objects or states of being.

3. Is “strike up” formal or informal?

   “Strike up” is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider using a more sophisticated synonym like “initiate” or “commence.”

4. Where does the object go when using “strike up”?

   The object of the verb can go either between “strike” and “up” (e.g., “strike a conversation up”) or after “up” (e.g., “strike up a conversation”). The placement often depends on the length and complexity of the object. Generally, shorter objects, especially pronouns, go between “strike” and “up.”

5. What are some synonyms for “strike up”?

   Synonyms for “strike up” include “initiate,” “begin,” “start,” “commence,” and “establish,” depending on the specific context.

6. How do I conjugate “strike up” in different tenses?

   The verb “strike” is conjugated according to the tense, while “up” remains constant. For example: present simple (strike up/strikes up), past simple (struck up), future simple (will strike up), present continuous (am/is/are striking up), past continuous (was/were striking up), present perfect (have/has struck up), past perfect (had struck up).

7. Is it correct to say “strike up it”?

   No, it is generally incorrect to say “strike up it.” The correct form is “strike it up.” Pronouns usually go between the verb and the particle in phrasal verbs.

8. Can “strike up” be used in passive voice?

   While less common, “strike up” can be used in the passive voice in certain contexts, though it might sound a bit awkward. For example: “A conversation was struck up between them.” It’s often more natural to rephrase the sentence to use the active voice.

Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb “strike up” can significantly enhance your English communication skills. By understanding its definition, structure, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can confidently incorporate it into your everyday language.

Remember to practice using “strike up” in various contexts to solidify your understanding and develop fluency. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of “strike up,” equipping you with the knowledge and tools to use it effectively and accurately.

Continue to explore other phrasal verbs and grammar concepts to further expand your English proficiency. Consistent practice and exposure to the language are key to achieving fluency and confidence.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with “strike up” in your writing and conversations, and seek feedback from native speakers to refine your usage. Happy learning!