sudden question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden question" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a question that is asked abruptly or unexpectedly, catching the listener or reader off guard. You can use it in a sentence to describe a situation or conversation where a sudden question is asked: - "The interview was going smoothly until the interviewer threw a sudden question at me, leaving me struggling to come up with an answer." - "His sudden question about my past caught me off guard and I stumbled over my words as I tried to respond." - "The teacher's sudden question in the middle of the lesson caused the students to sit up straight and pay attention." - "The sudden question from the audience during the presentation left the speaker momentarily speechless." - "Don't surprise your coworkers with sudden questions during meetings, it can be disruptive to the flow of conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Then a sudden question, with no reason, no cause: "How many children do you have?" My mother paused before she said, "Two.

The Guardian - Books

This way, you will have examples on hand, rather than becoming flustered and confused by a sudden question.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The sudden questions surrounding Mr. Lopez Obrador's candidacy injected new cheer into the Silva Herzog and Creel campaigns.

The New York Times

I'm beginning to have trouble remembering all the details, and it's embarrassing trying to answer all these sudden questions I've been asked.

The New York Times

I do not know many people prepared to film video interviews while on the go, and the way the app can blindside you into a sudden video question may be startling for first-time users.

The New York Times

9 P.M. (49), 10 P.M. (13 INSPECTOR LEWIS, SERIES III: YOUR SUDDEN DEATH QUESTION The students at Oxford have left for a holiday weekend, but a dangerous puzzle develops there when a contestant at a quiz competition is found dead.

The New York Times

"I was walking the lobby, and all of a sudden, a question occurred to me: 'Where the heck do you go if you want to make your home more efficient?

The Guardian

After the opening three, all correct, we're expecting sudden death questions.

Vice

If you have a sudden rise, people question it because of what has happened with some very high-profile athletes.

The New York Times

There have been sudden flurries of questions responding to newsworthy events.

The New York Times - Magazine

The sudden announcement raised questions among opposition lawmakers, who noted that the country already had 26 official national holidays and hardly needed more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sudden question" to add a sense of immediacy or surprise to a situation in your writing. It works well when describing unexpected turns in conversations or plot developments.

Common error

Avoid using "sudden question" too frequently, as it can make your writing seem repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "unexpected inquiry" or "surprise question" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a question that arises unexpectedly. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sudden question" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes an unexpected or abrupt inquiry. While its frequency is relatively rare, it finds applications across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. For enhanced writing, consider varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "unexpected question" or "surprise question" to maintain reader engagement. Remember, context is key to choose the most suitable synonym. The phrase is suitable in neutral writing registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected question

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation surrounding the question.

unanticipated inquiry

A more formal way of saying unexpected question.

surprise question

Highlights the element of surprise caused by the question.

abrupt question

Focuses on the sudden and often curt nature of the question.

out-of-the-blue question

Implies the question came from nowhere, without any preceding context.

chance question

Highlights the randomness of the question.

hasty question

Highlights a question asked fastly and without care.

impromptu question

Like "out-of-the-blue question" implies the question came from nowhere, without any preceding context.

unforeseen question

Highlights something that could not be seen before.

pop quiz

This is a similar alternative for a question made in a test.

FAQs

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

You can use "sudden question" to describe an unexpected inquiry, such as, "The lawyer's "unexpected question" caught the witness off guard".

What are some alternatives to "sudden question"?

Alternatives to "sudden question" include "surprise question", "unexpected question", or "abrupt question". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "sudden question" formal or informal?

"Sudden question" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "unanticipated inquiry" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What makes a question "sudden"?

A question is considered "sudden" when it is unexpected, abrupt, or without prior indication. It often catches the recipient off guard and may require them to think quickly for a response.