Strike up is a natural, conversational phrase. Most mistakes happen in two ways: people force it into situations that need more formal language, or they leave out a small grammar piece it needs.
Mistake 1: Using it for formal processes
Strike up describes something spontaneous, like a conversation, a relationship, or a connection forming on its own. It doesn't fit a formal, defined process.
Here's a less precise version.
"We struck up the vendor audit after procurement flagged the invoice discrepancy."
Here's a better version.
"We initiated the vendor audit after procurement flagged the invoice discrepancy."
A review has a formal start point that someone assigns. Use initiate or begin for that, not strike up.
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See how Lyra Practice works →Mistake 2: Using it in writing that needs a formal tone
Strike up sounds natural in speech and in casual updates. But it can weaken a polished document meant for executives.
Here's a version that's too casual.
"In the board deck, the timeline slide said we struck up the co-marketing agreement in Q2."
Here's a more formal version.
"In the board deck, the timeline slide said the co-marketing agreement began in Q2."
In an executive summary or a formal report, developed, began building, or established usually fits better than struck up. The underlying meaning stays the same either way.
Mistake 3: Dropping the object
Strike up almost always needs an object, like a conversation, a relationship, or a rapport. Leaving it out sounds incomplete.
Here's a less natural version.
"I struck up with someone from the vendor team in the elevator."
Here's a better version.
"I struck up a conversation with someone from the vendor team in the elevator."
The pattern is strike up a [conversation/relationship/rapport] with someone, not strike up with someone.
Quick check before you use it
Ask two questions. Did this begin naturally, in a social or informal moment? Does the sentence still have an object, like a conversation or a relationship? If the start was formal and assigned, or the object is missing, change the verb before you use strike up.
For the full meaning and examples, see what does strike up mean at work.
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