a sudden inhalation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden inhalation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected or abrupt act of breathing in, often in response to surprise or shock. Example: "As the news sank in, she let out a sudden inhalation, her eyes widening in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

One reason for the gap is that many people don't realize they have the disease because pertussis produces its signature "whoop" of sudden inhalation only in a minority of cases.

Harvard University

Reflex glottal closure has also been studied in response to inhalation of the chemical irritant ammonia, measuring the threshold for evoking a 'glottic stop', which is a rapid transient glottal closure which can be detected by a sudden drop in inspiratory flow during inhalation of the vapour [ 32].

Cough

The use of propofol to supplement inhalation anesthesia in the event of a sudden lightening of the anesthetic plane was permitted and recorded.

BMC Veterinary Research

Northampton Coroner's Court heard the 45-year-old died from inhalation of ammonia having been exposed to a "sudden release" of gas.

BBC

A sudden, unexpected attunement.

The New Yorker

A sudden flood?

Independent

I felt a sudden rage.

The New York Times

There was a sudden hush.

The New Yorker

There is a sudden shock.

The New York Times

"All of a sudden, it was there.

The New Yorker

I'm angry all of a sudden!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sudden inhalation" when you want to emphasize a quick, often surprised, intake of breath. It's particularly effective in describing reactions to unexpected news or events.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden inhalation" when describing normal breathing patterns. This phrase implies an abrupt or unexpected intake of breath, not regular respiration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden inhalation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of quickly drawing breath, often emphasizing the unexpected nature of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its usage to describe breathing, reactions, or emotional impacts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden inhalation" is a noun phrase that describes a quick, often involuntary, intake of breath. It is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English to describe an unexpected or abrupt act of breathing. While not extremely common, the phrase effectively conveys surprise or reaction, making it a valuable tool in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp intake of breath

Focuses on the quickness and sharpness of the breath.

a quick gasp

Emphasizes the gasping nature of the breath.

an abrupt intake of air

Highlights the unexpected nature and element of air.

a sharp intake

Shortened version, focusing on the sharpness.

a startled gasp

Adds the element of surprise or being startled.

a convulsive intake of breath

Emphasizes the involuntary, almost violent, nature of the inhalation.

a reflexive gasp

Implies the inhalation is an involuntary response.

a spontaneous inhalation

Highlights the unplanned and immediate quality.

a rapid intake of breath

Focuses on the speed of the breath.

an involuntary gasp

Focuses on the involuntary nature of the gasp.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sudden inhalation" to describe a sharp, quick intake of breath, often in response to surprise or shock. For example: "Upon hearing the news, she let out "a sudden inhalation", her eyes widening in disbelief."

What are some alternatives to "a sudden inhalation"?

Some alternatives include "a sharp intake of breath", "a quick gasp", or "an abrupt intake of air", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sudden inhalation" formal or informal?

"A sudden inhalation" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in descriptive writing where precision is valued.

What does "a sudden inhalation" imply about the person experiencing it?

"A sudden inhalation" often implies surprise, shock, or a strong emotional reaction. It suggests that the person is experiencing something unexpected or impactful.