The idiom “all of a sudden“ is used to describe an unexpected, sudden occurrence or action that happens without warning.
Meaning of “All of a sudden”
“All of a sudden“ means suddenly or without any warning. It’s commonly used to describe situations where something happens abruptly, often catching people by surprise.
Examples of “All of a sudden” in sentences
All of a sudden, the power went out, and we were left in complete darkness.
(Highlights the unexpected nature of the power outage.)
She was walking down the street when, all of a sudden, a car came speeding around the corner.
(Emphasizes that the car’s appearance was surprising and abrupt.)
When to use “All of a sudden”
- Use this idiom to describe something that happens instantly and without anticipation.
- It fits well in both spoken and written English, especially when recounting events that caused shock or surprise.
Equivalent expressions
Some phrases similar to “all of a sudden“ include:
- Out of nowhere: Often used to indicate something appearing or happening unexpectedly.
- Without warning: Emphasizes a lack of prior indication or notice.
- Instantaneously: A formal way to express the same idea, often used in technical or descriptive contexts.
Conclusion
“All of a sudden“ is a versatile idiom that vividly conveys unexpectedness, perfect for expressing surprise in storytelling or personal accounts.
