sudden calamity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden calamity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected and disastrous event that causes significant distress or damage. Example: "The community was unprepared for the sudden calamity that struck, leaving many families in need of assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

and moves at the hectic pace of serendipitous fortune and sudden calamity, accelerated and amplified by the blare of a media capital.

The New Yorker

Among the recipients -- those facing grave illness, sudden calamity, unanticipated loss -- the homeless occupy a special place, for it was a story of homelessness that inspired the fund's creation.

The New York Times

Instead of drugs, unemployment or other similar unfortunate circumstances, the tenants of 16 Second Avenue -- and two other apartment buildings, 31 East First Street and 35 East First Street -- were put on the streets this time by a sudden calamity.

The New York Times

"It is the opposite of the debt ceiling, when the doomsday clock ticked down to a moment of sudden calamity.

BBC

The American Heritage Dictionary defines catastrophe as "A great, often sudden calamity".

Huffington Post

But is there any proof that these cities really existed and that they were destroyed by a sudden calamity?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

So some of the strongest evidence has come from comparing those in the womb during sudden calamities such as famines, natural disasters and environmental accidents with those born just before or after.

The Economist

Sudden disaster.

Huffington Post

It's not that at some stage we won't still wind up in The Day After Tomorrow – just that the sudden picturesque eco-calamity that was due to befall us seems to have been gazumped by something less visually immediate.

The Guardian - Film

If there is a natural calamity, or sudden out-break of diseases in part or in the whole country, the government should take necessary measures to protect the citizens.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

It is unlikely that China would provoke a sudden, international financial calamity — for instance, by unloading U.S. Treasury securities and other government debt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sudden calamity" to add emphasis when describing an event that was both unexpected and disastrous, heightening the sense of shock and disruption.

Common error

Avoid using "sudden calamity" to describe minor inconveniences or problems. The phrase is best reserved for genuinely significant and devastating events, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden calamity" functions as a noun phrase, where "sudden" modifies "calamity". It serves to describe an event characterized by its unexpectedness and disastrous nature, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sudden calamity" is a grammatically correct and effective way to describe an unexpected and disastrous event. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usage primarily in news and media contexts, where it serves to emphasize the abrupt and devastating nature of a situation. While alternatives like "unexpected disaster" or "abrupt misfortune" exist, "sudden calamity" adds a distinct layer of intensity. When writing, reserve this phrase for significant events to maximize its impact and avoid overuse in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden catastrophe

Synonymous, reordering the words for emphasis.

unexpected disaster

Focuses on the unexpected nature and disastrous impact.

abrupt misfortune

Emphasizes the suddenness and negative impact of the event.

instant catastrophe

Highlights the immediate and catastrophic nature of the event.

unforeseen tragedy

Stresses the unexpected and tragic elements.

precipitous disaster

Focuses on the sudden and severe decline or fall associated with the event.

unpredicted crisis

Highlights the lack of anticipation and the critical nature of the event.

snap adversity

Focuses on the abrupt and challenging nature of the situation.

swift tribulation

Emphasizes the rapid and distressful nature of the event.

bolt from the blue

Idiomatic expression for something sudden and unexpected, usually with negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "sudden calamity" to describe an unexpected disastrous event, such as "The earthquake was a "sudden calamity" for the small island nation".

What are some alternatives to "sudden calamity"?

Some alternatives to "sudden calamity" include "unexpected disaster", "abrupt misfortune", or "instant catastrophe", depending on the specific context.

Is "sudden calamity" a formal or informal expression?

"Sudden calamity" leans towards a more formal or neutral register and is commonly found in news reports and analytical writing. Avoid using it in very casual conversations.

What is the difference between "sudden calamity" and "unforeseen tragedy"?

While both phrases describe negative events, "sudden calamity" emphasizes the disastrous and disruptive nature of the event, while "unforeseen tragedy" highlights the sorrowful and grievous aspects.