abrupt

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "abrupt" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe a sudden, unexpected action or event. For example, "She had an abrupt change of heart and decided to leave the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brown, who was under some pressure anyway at the start of his second season since succeeding Ashley Giles at Edgbaston, was left in an invidious position as Warwickshire accommodated Jonathan Trott's wishes to come straight back to first-class cricket, four months after his abrupt departure from England's Ashes tour.

The Guardian - Sport

While the Coalition rightwinger has a reputation for being divisive and abrupt, McGowan seems to want to give the voters of Indi a big collective hug.

The Guardian

If, while strolling down the street, a recently bereaved widow approached my father and me, her presence required that abrupt channel switch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here's our own cycling doyen Will Fotheringham with his preview of today's stage: The Tour won't be won in Steel City but one of the favourites could lose it here, as the series of short steep climbs and some abrupt, narrow and very technical descents – equally difficult, particularly if the roads are wet – will make for a demanding finale, where a crash or a puncture could be very costly.

The Guardian - Sport

It was an abrupt U-turn from the days when ministers argued that publication of the letters would seriously damage the prince's ability to be king.

The Guardian

In some ways they're the opposite of everything a holiday should be: abrupt entries and exits, one journey, then another, then another.

The Guardian - Travel

Tipping elements in Earth systems special feature: Reducing abrupt climate change risk using the Montreal Protocol and other regulatory actions to complement cuts in CO2 emissions.

The Guardian

His life met an abrupt, violent end last week, when he was shot dead by police who pursued him across a busy intersection.

The Guardian

But after an intervention by the Crown Prosecution Service and widespread outrage, Scotland Yard was forced into an abrupt climbdown.

The Guardian

In taking the Germans to two successive finals and winning the second he has re-established the chain of command broken by the abrupt departure of Jupp Derwall after the European Championship failures of 1984.

The Guardian - Sport

The abrupt change of rhythm, he says, left him feeling "almost physically ill for a few weeks, and I was trying to work out what the hell was going on". "When you have been hooked on adrenaline for as long as I've been hooked on it, actually coming off it was quite painful, and physical.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes or transitions, consider the degree of suddenness you want to convey. "Abrupt" is suitable when the change is both sudden and unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "abrupt" excessively to describe every sudden event. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "sudden", "unexpected", or "sharp" depending on the specific nuance you intend to communicate.

Linguistic Context

The word "abrupt" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something sudden and unexpected. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a sense of immediacy and lack of preparation for the event being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abrupt" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in various contexts, most notably in News & Media. While synonyms like "sudden" or "unexpected" can often be used interchangeably, "abrupt" carries a slightly stronger sense of immediacy and lack of preparation. Remember to vary your vocabulary and consider the specific nuance you wish to convey to enhance your writing. Using "abrupt" accurately helps to paint a vivid picture of events that occur without warning, adding depth to your narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden

Emphasizes the quick and unexpected nature of an event or action.

unexpected

Highlights the element of surprise and lack of anticipation.

unforeseen

Suggests that something could not have been predicted.

precipitous

Implies a very steep or rapid decline or change.

sharp

Indicates a sudden and distinct change or contrast.

instantaneous

Stresses that something happens immediately without any delay.

immediate

Focuses on the lack of a time delay.

hasty

Conveys a sense of being rushed or done without careful consideration.

summary

Highlights that is rapidly concluded without prior notice.

rapid

Indicates quickness, speed and promptness.

FAQs

How can I use "abrupt" in a sentence?

"Abrupt" is used to describe something sudden and unexpected. For instance, "The meeting came to an abrupt end" or "There was an abrupt change in weather".

What can I say instead of "abrupt"?

You can use alternatives like "sudden", "unexpected", or "sharp" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "abrupt end" or "sudden end"?

Both "abrupt end" and "sudden end" are correct and often interchangeable. "Abrupt" emphasizes the unexpectedness, while "sudden" simply highlights the quickness.

What's the difference between "abrupt" and "brusque"?

"Abrupt" generally describes a sudden event or change, while "brusque" describes a curt or rude manner.