of a sudden
Definition
Adverb: Happening unexpectedly; without warning; in a sudden manner.
Usage
The phrase "of a sudden" is an adverbial phrase used to describe an action or event that occurs quickly and without any prior indication. It is synonymous with "suddenly" and is typically used in a slightly more formal or literary context. It modifies verbs to indicate the abrupt nature of an action.
Examples
- The sky darkened, and of a sudden, it began to pour.
- He was walking calmly when, of a sudden, he stopped and turned around.
- The peaceful meeting changed of a sudden into a heated argument.
Advanced Usage
- "All of a sudden": This is the far more common and standard form of the phrase in modern English. "Of a sudden" is considered an archaic or poetic shortening of "all of a sudden."
- All of a sudden, the lights went out.
- The phrase is used to create a narrative shift, emphasizing a surprising or immediate change in a situation.
Variants and Related Words
- Suddenly (adv.): The standard, more frequent synonym.
- Abruptly (adv.): Happening quickly and without warning, often with a sense of rudeness or harshness.
- Unexpectedly (adv.): In a way that was not anticipated or foreseen.
Synonyms
Suddenly, abruptly, unexpectedly, instantly, immediately, all at once.
Related Phrases
- Out of the blue: Happening completely unexpectedly.
- His resignation came out of the blue.
- On the spur of the moment: Done suddenly without planning.
- We decided to go on a trip on the spur of the moment.
Notes
"Of a sudden" is an idiomatic adverbial phrase. While grammatically correct, in contemporary usage it is almost entirely superseded by "all of a sudden" or the single word "suddenly." Using "of a sudden" alone can sound old-fashioned or deliberately literary.
Adverb
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happening unexpectedly
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suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her side
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