a sudden commotion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden commotion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected disturbance or uproar in a situation. Example: "As we were enjoying our picnic, a sudden commotion erupted from the nearby crowd, drawing our attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A sudden commotion.

The New Yorker

There was a sudden commotion.

The New Yorker

A sudden commotion outside the door jolted her upright.

The New Yorker

There was a sudden commotion at the back of the room.

The New Yorker

She described how a sudden commotion disrupted the ceremony and everyone ran to the edge of the village.

The New York Times

A sudden commotion broke out among the cornstalks, a violent rustling and shaking, as if from the thrashing of some hidden beast.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Behind me, I became aware of a sudden noise and commotion, but I didn't dare look back.

Huffington Post

A sudden, unexpected attunement.

The New Yorker

A sudden flood?

Independent

There was a sudden hush.

The New Yorker

I felt a sudden rage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sudden commotion" to vividly depict an unexpected burst of noise, activity, or disturbance in a scene, adding an element of surprise or tension to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden commotion" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or understated term like "unexpected disruption" or "abrupt disturbance" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden commotion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an unexpected and disruptive event, as illustrated by examples in Ludwig, like "A sudden commotion outside the door jolted her upright."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden commotion" is a noun phrase used to describe an unexpected burst of noise or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While it's a vivid way to depict a disruption, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "an abrupt disturbance" or "an unexpected uproar" for variations in meaning or intensity. Using "a sudden commotion" effectively can add an element of surprise or tension to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abrupt disturbance

This alternative replaces "commotion" with "disturbance" and "sudden" with "abrupt", emphasizing the unexpected nature of the event.

an unexpected uproar

This option uses "uproar" instead of "commotion", suggesting a more intense and possibly public disturbance.

a sudden disruption

This focuses on the interruption caused by the commotion.

a startling interruption

Emphasizes the surprise element of the disturbance.

a spontaneous outburst

Highlights the unprompted and energetic nature of the event.

a flurry of activity

This phrase implies a brief burst of energetic action, which might or might not be disruptive.

a swift agitation

This implies a rapid and unsettling disturbance.

a noisy fracas

This suggests a loud and potentially disorderly disturbance.

an outbreak of chaos

This describes a situation spiraling out of control.

a momentary stir

This suggests a brief and minor disturbance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sudden commotion" to describe an unexpected burst of noise or activity. For example, "As we were enjoying our picnic, "a sudden commotion" erupted from the nearby crowd.".

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

You can use alternatives such as "an abrupt disturbance", "an unexpected uproar", or "a flurry of activity" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a sudden commotion" or "sudden commotion"?

Both phrases are understandable, but ""a sudden commotion"" is grammatically correct and more commonly used. The article "a" is important when referring to a single instance of a commotion.

What's the difference between "a sudden commotion" and "a slight disturbance"?

"A sudden commotion" suggests a more significant and noticeable disruption, while "a slight disturbance" indicates a minor and less impactful interruption.