sudden flood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden flood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected and rapid influx of water, often due to heavy rainfall or other natural events. Example: "The sudden flood caught the residents off guard, forcing them to evacuate their homes quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A sudden flood?

Independent

— Julia Moskin Slate: Why the sudden flood of coconut water?

The New York Times

A sudden flood of stress hormones, caused by grief, causing the heart to spasm.

Independent

And then I realized, with a sudden flood of tears, that my fear was unwarranted.

The New York Times - Magazine

IN 1607 a sudden flood around the Bristol Channel in south-west Britain killed at least 2,000 people.

The Economist

The sudden flood of light, pouring in on Father Kleinsorge's half sleep, brought him leaping out of bed, braced for a new concussion.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The Garonne, which is regulated by 50 locks, is subject to sudden floods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The much-visited cave is notorious for sudden flooding after heavy rain.

The Guardian

From amphibious homes to hospitals on stilts, architects and urban planners are exploring designs for floating buildings that can cope with rising seas or sudden floods.

The New York Times

They can cause sudden flooding, and the ice itself may collide with structures and cause damage, even to the point of taking out bridges.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The police said the lot was still "overrun with water" and that sudden flooding could have kept them from escaping in their car during the storm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sudden flood" in writing, ensure the context clearly establishes the cause and impact of the flooding event. Provide specific details about the affected area and the consequences of the flood.

Common error

Avoid using "sudden flood" to describe gradual or predictable flooding events. The term implies an unexpected and rapid inundation, not a slow rise in water levels. Using other words may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden flood" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'sudden' modifies the noun 'flood'. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It describes an unexpected and rapid inundation of water.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sudden flood" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe an unexpected and rapid inundation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across various domains. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in scientific and encyclopedia entries. When writing about "sudden floods", ensure the context accurately portrays the unexpected nature and resulting impact. Alternatives like "flash flood" or "torrential downpour" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Be sure not to use this term for describing slow increase in water levels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flash flood

Specifies a flood occurring with great rapidity and often unexpected.

torrential downpour

Focuses on the heavy and intense rainfall leading to flooding.

rapid inundation

Emphasizes the speed and completeness of the flooding.

unexpected deluge

Highlights the surprise and overwhelming nature of the flood.

sudden overflow

Describes water exceeding its normal boundaries quickly.

instantaneous flooding

Emphasizes the immediate onset of the flood.

swift inundation

Focuses on the speed at which the flooding occurs.

rapid water surge

Highlights the powerful and quick movement of water.

unforeseen flood

Stresses the lack of anticipation before the flood.

snap flood

Implies a very sudden and brief period of flooding.

FAQs

How to use "sudden flood" in a sentence?

You can use "sudden flood" to describe an unexpected and rapid rise of water, such as "The "sudden flood" damaged several homes near the riverbank".

What can I say instead of "sudden flood"?

Alternatives include "flash flood", "torrential downpour", or "rapid inundation", depending on the context.

Is "sudden flood" a formal term?

"Sudden flood" is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more technical terms like "rapid inundation" might be preferred in scientific or technical writing.

What causes a "sudden flood"?

A "sudden flood" can be caused by heavy rainfall, dam failures, or rapid snowmelt, leading to a quick and unexpected rise in water levels. It's important to note that the term can be used for emotional responses as well, such as a "sudden flood" of tears.