1
general::
suddenly
used when something happens very quickly and unexpectedly:
• Suddenly, there was a loud bang. • I suddenly realized what had happened. • Her husband died suddenly at the age of 64.
all of a sudden
suddenly – used especially in stories or descriptions of past events:
• All of a sudden, he takes a gun out of his pocket and shoots. • He just all of a sudden decided to leave.
without warning
suddenly and with no signs that it was going to happen – used about bad or dangerous things:
• One day, he collapsed without warning. • Then, without warning, her husband left her.
out of the blue
suddenly and unexpectedly – used especially when you hear from someone you have not seen for a long time or when someone tells you something that surprises you:
• She turned up on my doorstep, out of the blue. • The offer had come completely out of the blue.
at short notice
British English , on short notice American English suddenly, so that there is not much time to prepare or change arrangements:
• He came into the side at short notice, when another player was injured. • Occasionally, tours may have to be cancelled at short notice.
on the spur of the moment
used when talking about things you decide to do suddenly, without planning them beforehand:
• We all buy things on the spur of the moment. • On the spur of the moment, I decided to go and talk to her about it.
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