a sudden move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected or abrupt action taken by someone or something. Example: "The cat made a sudden move, startling everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Mr. Kozlowski said the breakup was not a sudden move.

The New York Times

But his very presence in Belize is the result of a sudden move, a jolt.

The New York Times - Books

A sudden move by the congressmen's boat swamped the dinghy and sent the protesters overboard.

The New York Times - Style

If there is a sudden move, managers could simultaneously be forced to sell - putting further downward pressure on prices.

The New York Times

He cradles his left arm protectively because the pain of a sudden move risks jolting his broken clavicle.

The New York Times

The fire made a sudden move around firefighters' containment line and ended up damaging some homes and forcing firefighters to quickly retreat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

I'm excited that this field I've labored in for 30 years is all of a sudden moving forward".

The New York Times - Sports

"You can describe it — a planet moving in one way and then all of a sudden moving the other way — and kids will be fine with that," he said.

The New York Times

The store was perfectly positioned, as Mr. Sagar said recently, to outfit the second homes of wealthy New Yorkers, who were all of a sudden moving away from the decorator-imprinted environments of their parents into something more casual.

The New York Times

And never -- ever -- make any sudden move.

The New York Times

I did not react or make any sudden moves as a precaution to protect my life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical action, pair "a sudden move" with verbs that convey speed and force, such as "lunge", "dart", or "jerk".

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden move" to describe actions that are inherently quick, such as "a sudden blink" or "a sudden twitch". Instead, focus on unexpected or impactful actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden move" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase describes an action or change that occurs quickly and unexpectedly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sudden move" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote an unexpected and rapid action. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is deemed correct and fitting for many scenarios. Analysis of various sources reveals its common usage in contexts such as news reporting, general articles and even scientific discussions. While synonyms such as "an abrupt action" or "a quick shift" exist, "a sudden move" uniquely conveys both the speed and the unexpected nature of the action. When using "a sudden move", be mindful of avoiding redundancy by pairing it with impactful actions, enhancing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abrupt action

Focuses on the quick and unexpected nature of the action.

a quick shift

Emphasizes a rapid change in position or strategy.

an unexpected change

Highlights the element of surprise in the alteration.

an impulsive decision

Implies a decision made without careful consideration.

a spontaneous gesture

Suggests a natural, unforced action done without planning.

a swift maneuver

Highlights the speed and skill involved in the action.

a rapid transition

Stresses the speed at which the change occurs.

an unprompted act

Focuses on the lack of external influence on the action.

an immediate reaction

Emphasizes the speed of the response to a stimulus.

a hasty step

Highlights the speed and potential recklessness of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sudden move" to describe an unexpected action or shift, such as: "The chess player made "a sudden move", surprising his opponent."

What are some alternatives to "a sudden move"?

Alternatives to "a sudden move" include "an abrupt action", "a quick shift", or "an unexpected change", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a sudden movement" or "a sudden move"?

Both "a sudden movement" and "a sudden move" are grammatically correct, but "a sudden move" often implies a more strategic or decisive action, while "a sudden movement" is a more general term.

What is the connotation of "a sudden move"?

The phrase "a sudden move" often carries a connotation of surprise, risk, or decisiveness, suggesting an action that deviates from the expected course.