All of a sudden Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Events Used when something happens without prediction or signs, often surprising. All of a sudden, a deer jumped onto the road. Pro Tip 2/3Narrative Twist Frequently used in stories to describe a quick change in action or plot. All of a sudden, the quiet village was invaded by bandits. Pro Tip 3/3Dramatic Impact Enhances the drama of a situation when retelling events. He was fine and then all of a sudden, he fainted.