THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
All of a sudden
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Quickly and unexpectedly, without warning.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- All of a sudden, the room went quiet.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
________, the room went quiet.
Show the answer
All of a sudden — Quickly and unexpectedly, without warning.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “All of a sudden” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Quickly and unexpectedly, without warning.
Compare: All of a sudden, the room went quiet.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it informally when telling a story about a sudden change or event.
More examples in context
- We were walking home when, all of a sudden, it began to pour.
- All of a sudden, I remembered where I had left the keys.
Usage note
The fixed phrase is “all of a sudden,” not “all of the sudden.” The simpler word suddenly is often useful in more concise writing.
A short conversation
A: Why did everyone stop talking?
B: All of a sudden, we heard music from the street.
A: Was there a performance outside?
One more practice question
Which change happens all of a sudden?
A. A change that happens gradually over several years.
B. A change that occurs quickly and without warning.
Check your answer
B. The expression stresses speed and unexpectedness.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.