Word
suddenly
Phoneticssud·den·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsədənɫi/
UK/sˈʌdənli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. happening very quickly and when you do not expect it. You use this to describe a surprise or a fast change.
adv. occurring quickly and without warning. Used to indicate an abrupt transition or an unexpected event.
Examples
“The rain started suddenly while we were walking.”
“The car in front of us stopped suddenly, forcing my father to slam on the brakes.”
“The peaceful atmosphere of the afternoon was suddenly shattered by a loud explosion from the nearby construction site, sending birds scattering into the sky.”
Examples
simple
“The rain started suddenly while we were walking.”
contextual
“The car in front of us stopped suddenly, forcing my father to slam on the brakes.”
complex
“The peaceful atmosphere of the afternoon was suddenly shattered by a loud explosion from the nearby construction site, sending birds scattering into the sky.”
Usage
Typically placed at the beginning of a sentence for dramatic effect or after the verb to describe the action.
Pitfall
It was a suddenly change.
It was a sudden change.
Learners often use the adverb 'suddenly' to modify a noun, but the adjective 'sudden' is required in that position.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English sodenly, sodeynly, sodeinliche, sodaynlyche; equivalent to sudden + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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