but abruptly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but abruptly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happens suddenly or unexpectedly, often in a way that interrupts the flow of events. Example: "The meeting was going smoothly, but abruptly, the fire alarm went off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But abruptly, the gaze is compelled elsewhere.

The New York Times

But abruptly pulling back would roil markets.

The New York Times

Representatives of Toshiba agreed to be interviewed in their California office but abruptly canceled.

The New York Times - Health

But, abruptly, she's given him up and is busy sending her love to his new lover.

The Guardian - Music

Dresdner Bank, Germany's third-largest bank, began talks last year but abruptly called them off.

The New York Times

Earlier, the stable had said it would not participate in the Haskell, but abruptly changed its plans last Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

But Dawkins abruptly abandons earthworms altogether.

The New York Times - Books

But they abruptly severed ties in 1993.

The New York Times

But it abruptly accelerated the date to November 4-5.

The Economist

But he abruptly withdrew from the project last December.

The Guardian - Film

The trachea of amphibians is not divided into secondary tubes but ends abruptly at the lungs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but abruptly", ensure the contrast you're highlighting is clear and significant. This phrase works best when emphasizing a surprising change in direction or action.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "but abruptly" can sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "however, unexpectedly" or "conversely, without warning", especially in academic or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but abruptly" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two clauses, indicating a contrast while simultaneously emphasizing the sudden and unexpected nature of the transition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but abruptly" serves as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, effectively signaling a sudden and unexpected shift. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in English, primarily appearing in news and media, scientific writing, and encyclopedias. While appropriate for many contexts, it may sound less sophisticated than alternatives in highly formal settings. When using "but abruptly", ensure the contrast is significant to maximize its impact. Remember that there are many alternative options that can be used instead, such as "yet suddenly" or "however unexpectedly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet suddenly

Replaces "abruptly" with "suddenly" maintaining a similar sense of immediacy and unexpectedness. Slightly less formal.

however unexpectedly

Substitutes "abruptly" with "unexpectedly" offering a greater emphasis on the element of surprise. The use of "however" adds a slightly more formal tone.

though without warning

Replaces "but abruptly" with "though without warning" emphasizing the lack of anticipation for the change.

yet out of nowhere

Emphasizes the unexpected arrival of something, similar to "suddenly" but with added emphasis on the surprise element.

but all of a sudden

Uses the idiomatic expression "all of a sudden" for a more informal tone.

though in an instant

Replaces both words with a single expression that highlights the speed of the change

conversely in a flash

Emphasizes speed and contrast, but may sound slightly more dramatic or literary.

however without delay

Shifts the focus to the immediacy of the subsequent event, rather than the suddenness of the change itself.

instead precipitously

Replaces "but" and "abruptly" with "instead precipitously", implying a sudden and potentially steep or uncontrolled change.

nonetheless forthwith

Uses "nonetheless" and "forthwith" for a more formal and somewhat archaic tone, indicating immediacy.

FAQs

How can I use "but abruptly" in a sentence?

The phrase "but abruptly" is used to indicate a sudden and unexpected change or interruption. For example: "The meeting was going smoothly, but abruptly, the fire alarm went off."

What are some alternatives to "but abruptly"?

You can use alternatives like "yet suddenly", "however unexpectedly", or "though without warning" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "but suddenly" or "but abruptly"?

Both "but suddenly" and "but abruptly" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "But abruptly" might be considered slightly more formal or emphatic, while "but suddenly" is more common in everyday language.

What does "abruptly" emphasize when used with "but"?

When used with "but", "abruptly" highlights the unexpected and often jarring nature of the change or interruption. It emphasizes that the shift was sudden and not foreshadowed.