sudden impulse

USAGE SUMMARY

"sudden impulse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a sudden and unexpected idea or desire. For example: She suddenly had a sudden impulse to quit her job and explore the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A gun "fires" because of a sudden impulse delivered to the gunpowder by the trigger.

Cornell University

On a sudden impulse, she opened the door, and asked her in.

The New Yorker

Struck by a sudden impulse to make something of his life, Britt enlists Kato as his partner in crime fighting.

The New York Times

When we have a sudden impulse to eat, it helps to check in to see if we are actually anxious.

The New York Times

Well, as an example, assume you have a sudden impulse to fly first class on British Airways from New York to London on Tuesday, returning on Saturday.

The New York Times

He also developed bad dreams and is a man given to sudden impulse, usually with good cause but in a violent way.

The New York Times - Arts

The historical record makes clear, for example, that it was not some sudden impulse of extroversion that led to Zheng He's achievement.

The New York Times - Magazine

And on a sudden impulse, I stowed this little stolen memento of the time I saw the hawks in my inside jacket pocket and went home.

The Guardian - Books

As often happens at a Richard Foreman show, you may feel a sudden impulse to have your eyes, or maybe your medications, re-evaluated.

The New York Times

He held down a sudden impulse to laugh at the idea of them, a solemn queue stretching out into the corridor, downstairs to reception, back through time.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Interplanetary (IP) shocks interact with the Earth's magnetosphere, resulting in compression of the magnetosphere which in turn increases the Earth's magnetic field termed as Sudden commencement/Sudden impulse (SC/SI).

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, combine "sudden impulse" with verbs that specify the nature of the action, such as 'acted on a sudden impulse' or 'overcome by a sudden impulse'.

Common error

While "sudden impulse" is widely accepted, be mindful of overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more nuanced or precise language depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden impulse" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a spontaneous urge or desire. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sudden impulse" is a noun phrase that effectively conveys a spontaneous and unplanned urge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, the phrase serves to emphasize actions taken without prior deliberation. To enhance writing, use "sudden impulse" with verbs specifying the action's nature and consider alternatives like "spontaneous urge" or "spur-of-the-moment idea" for specific nuances. Steer clear of overuse in overly formal writing for optimal effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spontaneous urge

Focuses on the unprompted nature of the feeling, similar to a sudden impulse.

abrupt urge

Similar to sudden, highlighting the quick and unexpected nature of the feeling.

fleeting impulse

Emphasizes the brief duration of the impulse.

spur-of-the-moment idea

Suggests an idea that arises quickly and without prior thought.

impulsive action

Highlights the action resulting from the impulse, rather than the impulse itself.

unforeseen inclination

Highlights the unexpected nature of the desire or preference.

unpremeditated decision

Emphasizes the lack of planning in the decision-making process.

rash decision

Conveys a sense of recklessness or lack of consideration.

knee-jerk reaction

Describes an immediate, often unthinking, response.

capricious whim

Implies a more frivolous or whimsical motivation.

FAQs

How can "sudden impulse" be used in a sentence?

You can use "sudden impulse" to describe unplanned actions or urges, such as "He bought the painting on a "sudden impulse"" or "She felt a "sudden impulse" to travel the world".

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

Depending on the context, alternatives to "sudden impulse" include "spontaneous urge", "impulsive action", or "spur-of-the-moment idea".

Is it correct to say "a sudden impulse" or simply "sudden impulse"?

Both are grammatically correct, but using "a" before "sudden impulse" is more common when referring to a specific instance of an impulse. Omitting "a" might be suitable in more general or descriptive contexts.

How does "sudden impulse" differ from "careful consideration"?

"Sudden impulse" describes actions taken without much forethought, while "careful consideration" implies a deliberate and thoughtful decision-making process. They represent opposite approaches to decision-making.