What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abrupt
Example
The meeting came to an abrupt end when the fire alarm went off. [abrupt: adjective]
Example
She was taken aback by his abrupt departure without saying goodbye. [abrupt: adjective]
Example
The road had an abrupt turn that caught the driver off guard. [abrupt: adjective]
sudden
Example
The sudden rainstorm caught us off guard. [sudden: adjective]
Example
He made a sudden turn to avoid hitting the pedestrian. [sudden: adjective]
Example
I felt a sudden surge of excitement when I saw the concert tickets. [sudden: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sudden is more commonly used than abrupt in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abrupt and sudden?
Both abrupt and sudden are appropriate for formal and informal contexts, but abrupt may be perceived as more formal due to its limited usage and negative connotation.
