What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impulsively
Example
She impulsively bought the dress even though it was over her budget. [impulsively: adverb]
Example
He tends to act impulsively when he's upset. [impulsively: adverb]
abruptly
Example
The meeting ended abruptly when the fire alarm went off. [abruptly: adverb]
Example
She spoke abruptly to her colleague, causing offense. [abruptly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abruptly is more commonly used than impulsively in everyday language. Abruptly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while impulsively is less common and refers to a specific type of behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impulsively and abruptly?
Both impulsively and abruptly are relatively informal words, but abruptly may be more appropriate in formal contexts due to its versatility and neutral connotation.
