a sudden thrill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden thrill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected feeling of excitement or exhilaration. Example: "As she stepped onto the stage, a sudden thrill coursed through her veins, making her heart race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As Lisi went through the numbers, he discovered, with a sudden thrill, that you could plot all the universe's components on E8: each of those particles would correspond with one of its symmetries.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Britain in that early postwar era there was a sudden thrilling influx of sophisticated, streamlined consumer goods from the US.

The Guardian - Arts

Many, perhaps most, people have experienced a sudden rush of emotion on hearing a particular piece of music; a thrill or chill, a sense of excitement or exhilaration, a feeling of being swept away by it.

The Economist

It's not a sudden rush.

The New York Times

When I was small, I would hold the end of the wand near something soft, like a couch pillow, and wait for the sudden thrilling thump of fabric and the whine of the motor, and I was fascinated by the melon-sized orb of condensed house dust that grew in the machine's interior — warm and squeezable through the air-permeable paper.

The New Yorker

As "the slowing" begins, Julia says she remembers feeling "not fear but a thrill" — "a sudden sparkle amid the ordinary, the shimmer of the unexpected thing".

The New York Times - Books

This kind of thing happens all the time now, but three or four years ago it still seemed momentous and thrilling: a sudden argument at a dinner party (something about Tom Selleck and Burt Reynolds and iconic mustaches of the '70s) was quickly put to rest when half the people present picked up their phones and started to Google.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ray exults in the visual and even spiritual beauty of nature — a justly famous series of images of insects skittering on the surface of a pond, or Durga thrilling to a sudden rainstorm — but he has no illusions that nature is benign.

The New Yorker

Ray exults in the visual and even spiritual beauty of nature a justly famous series of images of insects skittering on the surface of a pond, or Durga thrilling to a sudden rainstorm but he has no illusions that nature is benign.

The New Yorker

"I was all thrilled by it," he said, "and then all of a sudden repulsed by it because of Stephanie.

The New York Times - Tech

A sudden, unexpected attunement.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sudden thrill" to describe an unexpected and intense feeling of excitement or pleasure. It is most effective when the feeling is fleeting and surprising.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden thrill" in highly formal or academic writing. It is generally more appropriate for narrative or descriptive contexts where emotional expression is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden thrill" functions as a noun phrase, describing an emotional experience. It is typically used as the object or subject of a verb, indicating the feeling's occurrence or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden thrill" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an unexpected feeling of excitement. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, noting its effectiveness in descriptive writing. While alternatives exist, "a sudden thrill" offers a concise and evocative way to portray a brief, intense feeling of pleasure or excitement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of excitement

Replaces "thrill" with "excitement", focusing on the intensity of the feeling.

a rush of exhilaration

Emphasizes the uplifting and invigorating aspect of the feeling.

a jolt of pleasure

Highlights the pleasurable and unexpected nature of the sensation.

a fleeting excitement

Focuses on the brief duration of the excitement.

an unexpected delight

Shifts the focus to the positive and surprising aspect of the experience.

a pang of excitement

Suggests a sharper, more acute feeling of excitement.

a quiver of anticipation

Implies a sense of excitement mixed with expectation.

a wave of elation

Conveys a strong feeling of happiness and joy.

a spark of joy

Focuses on the small, but intense, feeling of happiness.

a tingle of excitement

Emphasizes the physical sensation of excitement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sudden thrill" to describe an unexpected feeling of excitement. For example: "As she stepped onto the stage, "a sudden thrill" coursed through her veins".

What are some alternatives to "a sudden thrill"?

You can use alternatives such as "a surge of excitement", "a rush of exhilaration", or "a jolt of pleasure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sudden thrill" formal or informal?

"A sudden thrill" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in news articles and descriptive writing, but might be too informal for highly academic or professional contexts.

What does "a sudden thrill" mean?

"A sudden thrill" refers to a brief, intense feeling of excitement or pleasure that arises unexpectedly. It implies a positive and often surprising emotional experience.