sudden blow

USAGE SUMMARY

"sudden blow" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written english.
You can use it to describe a sudden, abrupt event that has a negative outcome. Example: The sudden blow of the financial crisis impacted many small business owners.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This leaves Gerry, the most literal victim, elegantly played by Mr. Whitehead, as a man stunned by a sudden blow to his belief system.

The New York Times

At this point things were going well, he was taking things at his own pace; then came the sudden blow that forced him to open up to everyone.

The Guardian

Millay received what the French call a coup de vieux — a brutal and sudden blow of age — and it fell at about the same moment on her beauty and her reputation.

The New Yorker

In 1947, for example, the proverbial heavy snow blanketed the entire Northeast, with New York getting 25.8 inches in 16 hours in a blizzard that stranded buses, shut down subways, killed about 80 people and left the city, as this newspaper reported three days later, "like a giant stunned by a sudden blow".

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — The sudden blow to the case against the former Blackwater security guards over a shooting that killed 17 Iraqis and wounded at least 20 may have come as a surprise to the public in Iraq and the United States, but the legal problem that the judge cited Thursday when he threw out the indictments was obvious to American government lawyers within days of the shooting.

The New York Times

A sudden blow when he's so engaged and oblivious?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

When the energy crisis dealt its first sudden blows to the world economy, there were those who said a bracing austerity would bring people to their senses.

The New Yorker

Pope Francis has two modes of dealing with opposition – patient manoeuvring, which can go on for years; and sudden blows, delivered in a few short memorable words.

The Guardian - Opinion

By Jonathan Schell The New Yorker, February 18 , 1974P. 27 When the energy crisis dealt its first sudden blows to the world economy, there were those who said a bracing austerity would bring people to their senses.

The New Yorker

This is a shame, because when Argento does stop to consider the changes that humans slowly wreak on one another, as opposed to the sudden blows that they inflict, she can reach beyond the gross to a damaged sadness that many filmmakers would prefer not to ponder.

The New Yorker

These might be more human, being the frightened and softly hurried whispers, groans, shouts, cries, sudden blows and sharp gunshots, trucks, machines, doors slamming shut, prayers, again all organized around the constantly shifting subject position of the main protagonist.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about emotional or psychological impacts, use "sudden blow" to emphasize the abruptness and unexpectedness of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "sudden blow" to describe positive or beneficial events. The phrase inherently carries a negative connotation, suggesting adversity or misfortune.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden blow" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes an unexpected and impactful negative occurrence. As Ludwig AI describes, it indicates a sudden, abrupt event that has a negative outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sudden blow" is a noun phrase used to describe an unexpected and negative event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for highlighting the abruptness and impactful nature of a negative situation. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in news and media, often to emphasize the severity of a setback or crisis. While the phrase is generally suitable for formal contexts, it should be avoided in situations requiring positive or celebratory language. Related alternatives include "unexpected setback" and "abrupt shock", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected setback

Focuses on the negative impact and unexpected nature of the event.

abrupt shock

Highlights the startling and immediate nature of the event.

unforeseen crisis

Emphasizes the critical and unanticipated aspect of the situation.

surprise attack

Suggests an element of aggression or hostility in the unexpected event.

unexpected jolt

Implies a sudden and disruptive shift or disturbance.

devastating shock

Emphasizes the overwhelming and ruinous consequences of the event.

critical setback

Highlights the severity and hindering effect of the unexpected event.

severe misfortune

Focuses on the ill luck and negative consequences.

jarring experience

Implies a disturbing and unsettling encounter.

calamitous event

Suggests a disastrous and tragic occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "sudden blow" to describe an unexpected event that has a negative impact, such as "The company suffered a "sudden blow" when its main factory burned down".

What are some alternatives to "sudden blow"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unexpected setback", "abrupt shock", or "unforeseen crisis".

Is it appropriate to use "sudden blow" in formal writing?

Yes, "sudden blow" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing negative events or critical setbacks. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What's the difference between "sudden blow" and "unexpected event"?

"Sudden blow" specifically implies a negative and impactful occurrence, while "unexpected event" is a more neutral term that simply denotes something unforeseen without necessarily being adverse.