# suddenly

/ˈsədənɫi/ (US) · /sˈʌdənli/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/suddenly
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

happening very quickly and when you do not expect it. You use this to describe a surprise or a fast change.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "It was a suddenly change." but "It was a sudden change." — Learners often use the adverb 'suddenly' to modify a noun, but the adjective 'sudden' is required in that position.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed at the beginning of a sentence for dramatic effect or after the verb to describe the action.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.