What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sudden
Example
The sudden noise startled me. [sudden: adjective]
Example
I felt a sudden urge to leave the party. [sudden: adjective]
Example
He made a sudden turn without signaling. [sudden: adjective]
unexpected
Example
The unexpected rain ruined our picnic. [unexpected: adjective]
Example
Her unexpected arrival caught us off guard. [unexpected: adjective]
Example
The unexpected success of the project surprised everyone. [unexpected: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sudden is more commonly used than unexpected in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sudden and unexpected?
Unexpected is more formal than sudden, and is often used in written or academic contexts to convey surprise or unpredictability.
