a sudden explosion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden explosion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected and intense event, often in contexts related to physical explosions or metaphorical situations. Example: "The sudden explosion of fireworks lit up the night sky, surprising everyone at the festival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Is there a sudden explosion of malls in Bologna?

The New Yorker

That doesn't necessarily mean that the United States will see a sudden explosion in Zika cases.

The Washington Post

The problem is a sudden explosion in industry hype promising it as a panacea.

The Guardian

By far the biggest incident came in March, when a sudden explosion sank a South Korean warship, killing 46 sailors.

The New York Times

A sudden explosion is swallowed up in the night air, and then a stain mottles the back of the chair.

The New Yorker

The sex act that finally occurs, like a sudden explosion, between John and Julie is both a consummation and a violation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Others found the sudden explosion of A's disconcerting.

The Washington Post

But the naturalist in her can't help worrying that there might be a downside to the sudden explosion of botanical research.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was observed that the addition of steel fibers changes the failure mode of UHPC specimens from complete damage or sudden explosion to a somewhat ductile behavior where specimens can remain intact without chipping and spalling (El-Dieb 2009).

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

And this sudden explosion has meant a massive rise in one thing: traffic.

BBC

"My daughter was preparing to go to school when all of a sudden the explosion occurred, " Mohammad Imran, one of Mr. Aslam's neighbors, told Reuters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sudden explosion", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a literal physical event or a metaphorical situation, such as a rapid increase in popularity or a burst of emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden explosion" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language might be appropriate. Instead, consider alternatives like "rapid increase", "abrupt surge", or "accelerated growth", depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden explosion" typically functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an event characterized by its unexpected and forceful nature. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sudden explosion" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a rapid and unexpected event. As Ludwig AI suggests, its versatility allows it to be applied both literally and metaphorically. While prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts, it's essential to consider the formality of the writing and choose more precise language when necessary. Alternatives such as "an abrupt eruption" or "an unexpected surge" may provide a more nuanced meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abrupt eruption

Focuses more on the immediate and forceful release of something, be it energy or emotion.

a startling burst

Suggests a sudden and surprising release, potentially of energy, activity, or emotion.

a rapid detonation

Implies a more controlled or technically defined explosion, often used in scientific or military contexts.

an unexpected surge

Highlights the unforeseen nature and intensity of a rapid increase in something, such as power or popularity.

a spontaneous outburst

Emphasizes the unprompted and uncontrolled nature of a sudden expression or event.

an instantaneous flare-up

Describes a very quick and intense burst of activity or conflict.

a precipitous escalation

Highlights a quick and often alarming increase in severity or intensity.

a volcanic eruption

Implies a powerful and destructive release of built-up pressure, similar to a geological event.

a thunderous boom

Specifically refers to a loud, explosive sound occurring suddenly.

a flaring ignition

Suggests a sudden and intense start or outbreak, often related to fire or conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sudden explosion" to describe various situations. For instance: "There was "a sudden explosion" in the housing market." Or, "The performance ended with "a sudden explosion" of confetti.

What are some alternatives to "a sudden explosion"?

You can use alternatives like "an abrupt eruption", "a startling burst", or "an unexpected surge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a sudden explosion of" followed by an abstract noun?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For example, "a sudden explosion of creativity" or "a sudden explosion of interest" are both valid and commonly used phrases.

What's the difference between "a sudden explosion" and "a gradual increase"?

"A sudden explosion" implies a rapid and unexpected event, while "a gradual increase" suggests a slow and steady progression. They represent contrasting rates of change.