a sudden bout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden bout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected or intense episode of something, often related to illness or emotion. Example: "After a sudden bout of anxiety, she found it hard to concentrate on her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Mr Serwotka is unlikely to experience a sudden bout of loneliness.

The Guardian

It seemed the clouds had been hit by a sudden bout of turbulence and had plunged groundwards.

The Guardian - Travel

A sudden bout of protectionism, which is by no means out of the question, could put it at risk.

The Economist

"That is not just a sudden bout of laziness, but it's a response to reduced labor market activity".

The New York Times

One big punch, stray elbow, unlucky injury or a sudden bout of sickness could derail my chances.

The Guardian - Sport

I waved my hand in front of my face to get relief from a sudden bout of flop sweat until, mercifully, the closing doors cut me off.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But a short and sudden bout of starvation may do just the opposite, according to a new study that finds higher breast cancer rates in Dutch women who lived through a brief famine at the end of World War II.

Science Magazine

Before the Senate Judiciary Committee votes on Jeff Sessions' nomination to be attorney general, senators should demand an explanation for the sudden bout of amnesia he had at his nomination hearing earlier this month.

Huffington Post

The sudden bout of clemency has been linked with an attempt to boost Russia's image in the runup to the Winter Olympics, due to be held in Sochi in February.

The Guardian

Nonetheless it is hard to understand what has prompted this sudden bout of Alpine angst.

The Guardian

Gail Collins, in the Times, blamed North Dakota's oil boom, and the revenues it brought, for the sudden bout of extremism, and the readiness to spend money on legal fees in pursuit of a precedent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sudden bout" to describe unexpected occurrences of negative conditions like illnesses, emotions, or behaviors. It effectively conveys the abruptness and intensity of the episode.

Common error

Avoid using "bout" interchangeably with words like "bolt" or "bought". "Bout" specifically refers to an episode or instance, often of something unpleasant, while "bolt" means to run away suddenly, and "bought" is the past tense of buy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden bout" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an unexpected and often intense occurrence of something, usually negative, such as an illness or emotion. Ludwig AI supports this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden bout" is a noun phrase used to describe an unexpected and often intense episode, typically of something negative. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of the phrase, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to use "bout" accurately and avoid confusion with similar-sounding words. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively convey the abrupt and disruptive nature of the described event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unexpected episode

Replaces 'bout' with a more general term for an occurrence.

a brief attack

Focuses on the aggressive or harmful nature of the event.

a fleeting spell

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the occurrence.

a temporary surge

Highlights a sudden increase or rush of something.

an abrupt flare-up

Implies a sudden and intense resurgence of something, often negative.

a short burst

Conveys a quick and energetic release of something.

a quick spell

Highlights the speed and limited duration of the event.

a passing phase

Suggests the occurrence is temporary and will eventually disappear.

a transient fit

Conveys a brief and uncontrolled manifestation of something.

a momentary surge

Emphasizes the brevity and intensity of the occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "a sudden bout" in a sentence?

You can use "a sudden bout" to describe an unexpected episode of something, typically something negative like an illness, emotion, or behavior. For example: "She experienced "a sudden bout of anxiety" before her presentation."

What can I say instead of "a sudden bout"?

Alternatives to "a sudden bout" include "an unexpected episode", "a brief attack", or "a fleeting spell" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a sudden bout of happiness"?

While "a sudden bout" is often used in negative contexts, it can be used to describe any unexpected episode. Therefore, "a sudden bout of happiness" is grammatically correct, although less common.

What is the difference between "a bout" and "a spasm"?

A "bout" refers to an episode or occurrence of something, whereas "a spasm" specifically refers to a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction. Therefore, the terms are not interchangeable.