play illustration of a man watching a washing machine overflow
Commonly Confused

'All over sudden' vs. 'All of a sudden'

We'll help you figure it out at once


Is the correct phrase 'all over sudden' or 'all of a sudden'? Senior Editor Emily Brewster explains.

Transcript

Sometimes a word that sounds like the right word and feels like the right word isn't actually the right word. It's an eggcorn. Something that happens sooner than expected doesn't happen "all over sudden," it happens "all of a sudden." Sudden here is an obsolete noun meaning an unexpected occurrence.

Up next

play video literally
Literally

 

A word that (literally) drives people nuts

play hanger-hangar-illustrations
Is It 'Hanger' or 'Hangar'?

 

How to remember which is which

play how to use a dictionary
How to Use a Dictionary

 

The best way to find information in the dictionary

play video healthy vs healthful
Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.

play video who vs whom
Who vs. Whom

 

Good news for those who feel stuffy saying 'whom.'

play how to read a french menu video
How to Read a French Menu

 

How to 'amuse-bouche' without begging pardon for your French