a sudden shock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden shock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected and intense emotional or physical reaction to an event or situation. Example: "The news of the accident came as a sudden shock to everyone in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

There is a sudden shock.

The New York Times

If exposed to a sudden shock or stress, like the weight of a hiker, it can become unstable.

The Washington Post

Through a porthole Gagarin saw a sudden shock of blue, a blue more intense than he had ever seen.

The New York Times

And a sudden shock to that supply would have an immediate impact on global prices, and then on consumers worldwide.

The New York Times

In particular, under a sudden shock in market demand, the number of nodes and the divergence of the supply chain network affect the supply chain performance.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

Hammond's intervention follows Theresa May telling the annual conference of the CBI that the government was aware of their worries and would try to avoid a sudden shock.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Of course, all the pundits raised their eyebrows and hands in horror, as if the use of such language is all of a sudden shocking.

Huffington Post

The same striking quality is in ample evidence from the very beginning of Hill's "Bullet to the Head," which opens with a black-and-white sequence (a frame for a flashback) where a blood-spattering rescue arrives with a still, sudden shock.

The New Yorker

Patient 2, requiring sedation and mechanical ventilation, was admitted to an ICU with a history of sudden shock and hyperkinetic state (Table 1).

Critical Care

These twin spikes, both engineered by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries limiting its oil shipments, are still the textbook example of an economic "shock"—a sudden change in business conditions.

The Economist

Sometimes she spilled over into a sharpness that could wound, but she offered the outsiders perspective, and brought us all laughter with a gasp -- the sudden shock of truth". Last month Rivers officiated a gay wedding at New York's Plaza Athenee -- and it wasn't her first.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sudden shock" to describe an emotional experience, consider adding details to clarify the source and intensity of the feeling for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden shock" in situations where the surprise is minor or expected. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden shock" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an event or realization that is both unexpected and impactful, as illustrated by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sudden shock" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an unexpected and impactful event or realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific context to avoid overuse in less dramatic situations. Alternatives like "an unexpected jolt" or "a startling surprise" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. Overall, understanding the nuances of "a sudden shock" allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unexpected jolt

Replaces 'shock' with a more physical and less emotional term, emphasizing the abruptness.

a startling surprise

Substitutes 'shock' with 'surprise', highlighting the unexpected nature but with a lighter connotation.

a rude awakening

Indicates a harsh and unpleasant realization, focusing on the negative impact of the surprise.

an abrupt impact

Emphasizes the force and suddenness of the event, suitable for physical or metaphorical shocks.

a traumatic experience

Highlights the potentially damaging and lasting effects of the shock.

a seismic shift

Implies a major and sudden change, often used in business or social contexts.

a disruptive event

Focuses on the disturbance and interruption caused by the unexpected event.

a sharp tremor

Uses 'tremor' to convey a more subtle but still noticeable shock or disturbance.

a bolt from the blue

Idiomatic expression for something completely unexpected and sudden.

an unforeseen blow

Highlights the negative and damaging nature of the sudden event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sudden shock" to describe an unexpected and impactful event or realization. For example, "The news of his death came as "a sudden shock" to the community".

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

You can use alternatives like "an unexpected jolt", "a startling surprise", or "a rude awakening" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a sudden shock" and "a surprise"?

"A surprise" is a general term for something unexpected. "A sudden shock" implies a more intense and often negative impact than a simple surprise.

Is it correct to use "a sudden shock" to describe an economic event?

Yes, ""a sudden shock"" can be used to describe an unexpected event that significantly impacts the economy, such as a market crash or a major policy change.