a sudden start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an abrupt or unexpected beginning of an event or action. Example: "The movie began with a sudden start that caught the audience off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's not as though anyone can, all of a sudden, start moving around state lines.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no question that continuing what you are doing is not going to all of a sudden start producing a profit.

The New York Times

"One of the things I always loved about exploitation movies is that, even in the midst of all that's going on, you all of a sudden start caring about the characters," he says.

The Guardian - Film

"I'm not going to all of a sudden start wearing a snazzy suit and putting a scarf around my neck, which seemed to be vogue for about 20 minutes at one point," Pearson says.

The Guardian - Sport

The magnetic storm from 17 March had a sudden start.

Earth, Planets and Space

The assumption is that people that are primarily voice customers now will all of a sudden start using a set of data services and that the pricing plans will be such that profitability is implied.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

With the match in the balance, it was the Federer forehand that all of a sudden started spraying balls everywhere.

The New York Times

"Hank made history when he passed on," Hank III told me in 2008, "and those that hated him all of a sudden started lovin' him.

The Guardian - Film

The experimental results showed that the start-up process shifted from a "sudden start-up mode" to a "smooth start-up mode" with the increase of heating power.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Consequently, the plant availability of the biogas production process is more secure through a constant operation, a sudden start-up, or an increase in the load has a certain risk of process failure.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The wheel all of a sudden started spinning and I lost control.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sudden start" to describe events or processes that begin unexpectedly or rapidly. For example, "The play had "a sudden start" that immediately captivated the audience."

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden start" when you mean a sudden cessation or halt. "Sudden stop" is more appropriate when something abruptly ends. For example, instead of "The car experienced "a sudden start" when the driver slammed on the brakes," use "The car experienced a sudden stop."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden start" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to an event or process that begins quickly and unexpectedly. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, confirming its common use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden start" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the unexpected and rapid beginning of an event or process. As shown by Ludwig, it appears in a variety of contexts, from news to science, though it is most frequently found in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability and usability of the phrase. When using "a sudden start", ensure you are accurately portraying an abrupt beginning and not a sudden cessation. Consider alternatives like "an abrupt beginning" or "a quick onset" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abrupt beginning

Focuses on the abrupt nature of the beginning, emphasizing the lack of warning.

an unexpected commencement

Highlights the surprise element and the formal start of something.

a quick onset

Emphasizes the rapid development or beginning of a condition or event.

an immediate initiation

Stresses that the start is not delayed, but happens right away.

a precipitous launch

Suggests a rushed or steep beginning, often implying a sense of urgency.

a headlong rush

Implies a start that is hasty and potentially uncontrolled.

an impulsive kickoff

Highlights the spontaneous and unplanned nature of the beginning.

a burst of activity

Describes an energetic and sudden surge into action.

an instantaneous genesis

Focuses on the virtually immediate creation or beginning of something.

a lightning start

Implies a very fast and impressive beginning, like a flash of lightning.

FAQs

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

"A sudden start" is used to describe something that begins unexpectedly or abruptly. For example, "The project experienced "a sudden start" due to new funding."

What is an alternative to "a sudden start"?

Alternatives include "an abrupt beginning", "an unexpected commencement", or "a quick onset" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the sudden start" instead of "a sudden start"?

While "the sudden start" can be grammatically correct, it implies a specific, previously mentioned start. "A sudden start" is more general and describes any instance of something beginning abruptly.

What's the difference between "a sudden start" and "a fast start"?

"A sudden start" emphasizes the unexpectedness of the beginning, while "a fast start" focuses on the speed or momentum of the initial phase. You might say, "The team had "a fast start" to the game," focusing on their initial speed, or "The argument had "a sudden start"," highlighting its unexpected beginning.