Soudain vs. soudainement?

R. E.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Soudain vs. soudainement?

In this example, I am wondering why soudainement is not used (adding "ment" to the feminine version of an adjective).

I am looking at this sentence and soudain seems to be used as an adverb/is that why no "ment".  If so would you please provide me with an example where soudainement might be used?  Many thanks. 

On regardait les lucioles, et soudain toutes ont disparu.

Asked 5 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

That's an interesting question Robin...

Soudain, can be an adjective and an adverb and will  mostly be used on its own to mean - tout à coup, subitement  (all of a sudden) .

e.g.

J'écrivais une lettre à Marie quand soudain, j'ai entendu un cri violent = I was writing a letter to Marie when suddenly, I heard a violent scream

J'ai eu une douleur soudaine dans le dos I had a sudden pain in my back

Soudainement is an adverb and  will normally follow a verb.

e.g.

Le vent se leva soudainement à la plage = The wind rose suddenly on the beach

La rivière a débordé soudainement The river overflowed suddenly 

Hope this helps!

R. E.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thank you for this excellent explanation!

R. E. asked:View original

Soudain vs. soudainement?

In this example, I am wondering why soudainement is not used (adding "ment" to the feminine version of an adjective).

I am looking at this sentence and soudain seems to be used as an adverb/is that why no "ment".  If so would you please provide me with an example where soudainement might be used?  Many thanks. 

On regardait les lucioles, et soudain toutes ont disparu.

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