sudden acceleration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden acceleration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to vehicles, technology, or any situation where there is a rapid increase in speed or intensity. Example: "The sudden acceleration of the car caught the driver off guard, leading to a near accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Duminy's sudden acceleration remains on hold.

The Guardian - Sport

Ford's attorney emphasized the N.H.T.S.A. study debunking sudden acceleration.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet no-one is predicting a sudden acceleration in demand.

The Guardian - Business

The sudden acceleration problems marred Toyota's reputation for quality.

The New York Times

We critically examine evidence for this sudden acceleration.

Fertility and Sterility

Is sudden acceleration real? are some S.U.V.'s dangerously prone to rollover?

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

In 1996, he tried a sudden-acceleration case against Ford.

The New York Times - Magazine

The number of deaths linked to the Toyota sudden-acceleration complaints was about the same.

The New Yorker

We are living in a time of rollover lawyers, tire lawyers, sudden-acceleration lawyers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Federal regulators have also stepped up their oversight efforts since Toyota's sudden-acceleration recalls.

The New York Times

What do Toyota's sudden-acceleration woes and the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico have in common?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing vehicular incidents, use "sudden acceleration" to clearly indicate an unintended and rapid increase in speed. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in technical and legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid attributing all instances of unintended vehicle movement solely to "sudden acceleration". Consider other potential factors like floor mat interference or pedal misapplication to ensure accurate reporting and analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden acceleration" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of event or phenomenon. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase commonly appears in discussions about vehicle malfunctions, physics, and economic trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sudden acceleration" is a noun phrase used to describe a rapid and unexpected increase in speed or rate. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news reports concerning automotive issues, scientific studies, and business analyses. While its register is generally neutral, making it accessible to a broad audience, its precise meaning is crucial in technical and legal contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "rapid acceleration", "abrupt increase in speed", or "swift burst of speed". When employing the phrase, remember to consider all contributing factors in specific contexts and avoid oversimplified explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapid acceleration

Replaces "sudden" with "rapid", emphasizing the quickness of the acceleration.

sudden burst of speed

Emphasizes both suddenness and speed, intensifying the effect of acceleration.

abrupt increase in speed

Uses "abrupt increase" instead of "sudden acceleration", focusing on the change in speed.

immediate speed increase

Replaces 'acceleration' with 'speed increase' and 'sudden' with 'immediate', focusing on the immediacy.

sharp increase in velocity

Uses "sharp increase" to convey the sudden and rapid nature of the acceleration.

unexpected surge in velocity

Substitutes "acceleration" with "surge in velocity", highlighting the unexpected nature.

swift burst of speed

Replaces "acceleration" with "burst of speed", giving a more vivid image of the increase.

accelerated pace

Emphasizes the quicker pace that results from the acceleration.

jump in speed

A simpler, more direct way of describing a sudden increase in speed.

quickened pace

Focuses on the change to a faster pace.

FAQs

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

You can use "sudden acceleration" to describe unexpected increases in speed, like: "The driver struggled to control the car during the "sudden acceleration"."

What's a good alternative to "sudden acceleration"?

Alternatives include "rapid acceleration", "abrupt increase in speed", or "swift burst of speed", depending on the context.

In the context of vehicle incidents, is "sudden acceleration" the only possible cause?

No, while "sudden acceleration" can be a factor, other potential causes include pedal misapplication, floor mat interference, or mechanical failure. Consider all possibilities during investigation.

When should I use "sudden acceleration" over other similar phrases?

Use "sudden acceleration" when you want to emphasize the unexpected and rapid nature of the increase in speed, especially in technical or legal contexts where precision is important. For more general descriptions, "quickened pace" or "jump in speed" might suffice.