a sudden flood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden flood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected and rapid influx of water, or metaphorically, to indicate a sudden overwhelming amount of something. Example: "After the heavy rain, there was a sudden flood that caught everyone off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

A sudden flood?

Independent

A sudden flood of stress hormones, caused by grief, causing the heart to spasm.

Independent

And then I realized, with a sudden flood of tears, that my fear was unwarranted.

The New York Times - Magazine

IN 1607 a sudden flood around the Bristol Channel in south-west Britain killed at least 2,000 people.

The Economist

No complaint came except from her father when a young Ecuadorean was forced by a sudden flood to pass the night at the house of her boyfriend.

The Economist

The Fed has to leave some room between the federal funds rate and zero, in case a sudden flood of liquidity is needed to combat deflation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It's been speculated — though the evidence is sketchy — that a sudden flooding of the Black Sea toward the end of meltwater pulse 1C, around seventy-five hundred yeago ago, inspired the deluge story in Genesis.

The New Yorker

We knew that Governor Bush was in the hip pocket of the special interests; now we find what a deep pocket that is -- $2.5 million all of a sudden flooding into these contests".

The New York Times

When it was time for the Apple Day celebration, a sudden torrent of rain flooded the road.

The Guardian

The book became a best-seller, an excerpt in the Guardian went viral — Britain! — and, since then, Macfarlane has found himself on the receiving end of a "speat" (sudden flood, Cumbria) or "cenllif" (torrent, Wales) of mail.

The New Yorker

Those critics are unlikely to be silenced by an analysis of the sudden flood of money it took to push the pact over its latest hurdle.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sudden flood" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the non-literal meaning to avoid confusion. For example, "a sudden flood of emails" is understandable, but might need clarification depending on the target audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden flood" to describe minor inconveniences or insignificant quantities. The phrase implies a significant and overwhelming event, so applying it to trivial situations can diminish its impact and appear hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden flood" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an event characterized by an abrupt and overwhelming influx. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and can be used both literally and metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden flood" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's employed to describe unexpected and overwhelming inundations, literally with water or metaphorically with other phenomena like emotions or data. Common in news and science, this phrase carries a neutral tone and is effective for conveying the intensity and abruptness of an event. Related phrases like "a deluge" or "a torrent of water" can be used to add nuance, and writers should ensure the scale of the described event aligns with the phrase's implications of significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flash flood

Specifies the type of flood, emphasizing its rapid and unexpected nature.

a deluge

Implies a heavy and sudden downpour or influx, similar to a flood.

a torrent of water

Focuses on the powerful flow of water, akin to a sudden flood.

a rapid inundation

Highlights the swiftness and overwhelming nature of the flooding.

a sudden downpour

Describes a sudden and heavy rainfall, often leading to flooding.

a flash of water

Focuses on the immediate rush of water, emphasizing speed and surprise.

a surge of water

Emphasizes the forceful movement of water, suggesting an overwhelming rush.

a sudden overflow

Highlights the exceeding of normal water levels, leading to flooding.

an abrupt inundation

Focuses on the unexpected and swift nature of the flooding event.

a massive overflow

Indicates that the amount of water went over an edge or area.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sudden flood" to describe a literal inundation of water, such as "The town was devastated by a sudden flood", or metaphorically, such as "The company experienced a sudden flood of orders after the product launch".

What are some alternatives to "a sudden flood"?

Alternatives include "a deluge", "a torrent", or "a rapid inundation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "a sudden flood" and "a flash flood"?

"A sudden flood" is a general term for an unexpected inundation, while "a flash flood" specifically refers to a rapid and intense flood, often caused by heavy rainfall in a short period.

Is it correct to use "a sudden flood of" to describe emotions?

Yes, you can use "a sudden flood of" to describe emotions, such as "a sudden flood of tears", to convey an overwhelming rush of feeling. However, ensure the context makes the metaphorical usage clear.