a sudden delight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden delight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected feeling of joy or pleasure that occurs abruptly. Example: "As she opened the letter, a sudden delight washed over her when she read the good news."

✓ Grammatically correct

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He knew better than to expect a sudden attack of delight, or words falling over themselves to get put on paper.

The New Yorker

Have you not designed a strange tall house in Google SketchUp, and did you not make a sudden cry of awed delight the first time you saw the planet begin to turn and loom closer in Google Earth?

The New York Times - Books

As with his gleeful little jig in Grand Central, he keeps finding new ways to harness the electric power of abrupt surprise; he'll be soft-spoken, low-key, and measured during a set, ambling slowly across the stage, and then all of a sudden, he'll explode, delighting his audience.

Vice

The spontaneous uprising delighted him as a sudden, inexorable blow for democracy, throwing off the yoke of the tsar.

The Guardian

Opimius, immediately seizing the occasion thus offered, was in great delight, and urged the people to revenge; but there happening a great shower of rain on a sudden, it put an end to the business of that day.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A sudden, unexpected attunement.

The New Yorker

A sudden flood?

Independent

I felt a sudden rage.

The New York Times

There is a sudden shock.

The New York Times

There was a sudden hush.

The New Yorker

A sudden silence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sudden delight" to describe an unexpected moment of joy or pleasure. It's effective in narratives to highlight a character's surprise and positive emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden delight" in very formal or technical writing. It can sound too sentimental or informal. Opt for more neutral terms like "positive outcome" or "favorable result" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden delight" functions as a noun phrase, where "sudden" modifies "delight". It describes a specific instance or experience of unexpected pleasure. The phrase is deemed correct and usable according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden delight" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an unexpected feeling of joy or pleasure. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it's best used in contexts where expressing emotion is appropriate, avoiding overly formal or technical writing. Alternatives include "unexpected joy" and "instant pleasure", offering similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Despite its correctness, the phrase is currently missing from Ludwig's example database, indicating a need for more real-world examples to showcase its usage effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden joy

Shortened version retaining the key elements of surprise and happiness.

unexpected pleasure

Synonymous, but places greater emphasis on the positive sensation experienced.

rush of delight

Similar, but implies a quicker, more intense onset of pleasure.

unexpected joy

Focuses more on the feeling of joy itself rather than the element of surprise.

instant pleasure

Highlights the immediacy and gratification aspect of the delight.

fleeting happiness

Emphasizes the short-lived nature of the joyful feeling.

burst of joy

Conveys a more intense and energetic feeling of happiness.

wave of happiness

Suggests a more overwhelming and encompassing feeling of joy.

spontaneous elation

Highlights the unprompted and exuberant nature of the happiness.

momentary bliss

Focuses on a brief period of perfect happiness or joy.

FAQs

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

Use "a sudden delight" to describe an unexpected feeling of joy or pleasure. For example, "As she opened the letter, "a sudden delight" washed over her when she read the good news."

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

You can use alternatives like "unexpected joy", "instant pleasure", or "burst of joy" depending on the context.

Is "a sudden delight" formal or informal?

While generally suitable for most writing, "a sudden delight" leans towards a slightly less formal tone. In highly formal or technical contexts, consider alternatives such as "positive outcome" or "favorable result".

What's the difference between "a sudden delight" and "sudden happiness"?

While similar, ""a sudden delight"" emphasizes the exquisite or refined nature of the joy, whereas "sudden happiness" is a more general expression of unexpected joy.