all of a sudden

USAGE SUMMARY

"all of a sudden" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when something unexpected happens quickly and without warning. For example, "All of a sudden, the lights went out and we were plunged into darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"All of a sudden, it was there.

The New Yorker

I'm angry all of a sudden!

The New Yorker

All of a sudden, I was hungry.

The New Yorker

Then, all of a sudden, bingo.

The New Yorker

"All of a sudden you have nothing.

Independent

All of a sudden he just left.

Independent

"All of a sudden, everything is silent.

The New Yorker

She looks trapped all of a sudden.

The New Yorker

It wasn't all of a sudden.

Independent

All of a sudden the big nasturtiums.

The New Yorker

"Then, all of a sudden, whack!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all of a sudden" to create a sense of surprise or immediacy in your writing. It is especially effective when describing unexpected events or changes in a narrative.

Common error

Avoid overusing "all of a sudden" in formal or academic writing, as it can sound informal. Opt for more formal alternatives like "unexpectedly" or "abruptly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all of a sudden" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and clauses to indicate the sudden and unexpected nature of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all of a sudden" is a grammatically sound and very common adverbial phrase used to indicate that something occurred quickly and unexpectedly. As Ludwig AI states, it's correct and usable in written English. While suitable for news, general narratives, and informal contexts, more formal alternatives like "unexpectedly" or "abruptly" are recommended for academic or professional writing. The frequency analysis shows that it is predominantly found in news and media sources. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

All at once

Similar to "all of a sudden", indicating simultaneous occurrence.

Without warning

Emphasizes the lack of any preceding sign or indication.

Unexpectedly

This adverb directly describes the action as not being anticipated.

Like a bolt from the blue

Suggests an unexpected and shocking event.

Out of the blue

This idiom implies that something happened without any prior indication.

In a flash

Suggests extreme speed and unexpectedness.

Abruptly

Focuses on the sudden and quick nature of the event.

In the twinkling of an eye

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the speed of an event.

In an instant

Highlights the speed at which something occurred.

On the spur of the moment

Highlights the lack of planning or forethought.

FAQs

How can I use "all of a sudden" in a sentence?

Use "all of a sudden" to indicate that something happened quickly and unexpectedly. For example, "All of a sudden the music stopped".

What are some alternatives to "all of a sudden"?

You can use alternatives such as "unexpectedly", "abruptly", or "out of the blue" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "all of a sudden" formal or informal?

"All of a sudden" is generally considered informal and is best suited for conversational or narrative writing. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "unexpectedly" or "abruptly".

What is the difference between "suddenly" and "all of a sudden"?

While both "suddenly" and "all of a sudden" indicate a quick and unexpected occurrence, "all of a sudden" often carries a stronger sense of surprise or abruptness. "Suddenly" is a more neutral term.