a construction spree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a construction spree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of intense building or construction activity, often implying a sense of enthusiasm or urgency. Example: "The city is currently experiencing a construction spree, with new buildings popping up on every corner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The government has started a construction spree.

The Economist

But China has recently embarked on a construction spree unprecedented in its scale and speed.

The Economist

In the last fifteen years, city planners have been on a construction spree, erecting huge new convention centers, hotels, and exhibition halls.

The New Yorker

The shipping industry has gone on a construction spree lately, building behemoths more than a thousand feet long with as much cargo space as eleven thousand trucks.

The New Yorker

It is all part of a construction spree by India's outsourcing companies, which are growing at a breakneck pace after the lull caused by the global financial crisis in 2008 and 2009.

The New York Times

Its arrogant behaviour in the South China Sea, where it is engaged in a construction spree to turn disputed rocks into disputed islands, has given the impression that it feels it can simply bully its smaller neighbours.So the initial reaction in South-East Asia to the belt and road has been sceptical.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A second construction spree was undertaken by a headmaster, James Eli Ament, who connected all the outlying structures to the Main Building with covered or enclosed walkways so the girls did not have to be exposed to the elements.

The New York Times

The Cassedys undertook a building construction spree, which included the internationally styled sorority houses for girls at the finishing school, who were to receive a "worldly" education in an otherwise cloistered setting.

The New York Times

Certainly, it's not as if there weren't enough land to build on in Dubai, or any need for more office or residential space, after a decade-long construction spree that makes the excesses of Florida look almost prudent.

The New Yorker

The alternative would be a complete breakdown and the loss of a chance at a Palestinian state in the near term, the strengthening of Hamas, and a probable Israeli construction spree after 60 days.

Huffington Post

Turkey's construction spree, for instance, has played a major role in its economic boom.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a construction spree" to vividly describe a period of rapid and extensive building activity, suggesting enthusiasm or urgency in development projects. For example, "The city underwent a construction spree in preparation for the Olympics."

Common error

Avoid using "a construction spree" to describe small or routine building activities. It implies a significant, often rapid, and sometimes excessive amount of construction. Using it for minor renovations would be an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a construction spree" functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting a period characterized by intense and often rapid building activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A construction spree" is a noun phrase used to describe a period of intense and rapid building activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While it's commonly found in news and media, it is less frequent in formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives such as "building boom" or "development surge" for more formal contexts. The phrase implies a significant and sometimes excessive amount of construction, so use it judiciously to accurately reflect the scale of the activity being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building boom

Replaces 'construction' with 'building' and 'spree' with 'boom', emphasizing rapid growth.

building frenzy

Substitutes 'spree' with 'frenzy', highlighting the energetic and potentially chaotic nature of the construction.

development surge

Replaces 'construction' with 'development' and 'spree' with 'surge', conveying a strong increase in building activity.

building surge

Replaces 'construction' with 'building' and 'spree' with 'surge', emphasizing a significant increase in construction activity.

rapid development phase

Replaces the original phrase with a more descriptive and formal term that indicates a period characterized by fast development.

extensive building program

Focuses on the planned nature of the construction, rather than the rapid pace.

massive construction project

Highlights the scale of the building efforts.

intense construction period

Emphasizes the high level of activity during the construction.

aggressive building campaign

Implies a proactive and forceful approach to construction.

major infrastructure development

Broadens the scope to include all types of infrastructure projects.

FAQs

How can I use "a construction spree" in a sentence?

You can use "a construction spree" to describe a period of intense building activity. For example: "The city experienced "a construction spree" after the economic recovery."

What's a good alternative to "a construction spree"?

Alternatives include "building boom", "development surge", or "building frenzy", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a construction spree" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "a construction spree" might be better suited for news articles or descriptive writing. In formal reports, consider more neutral terms like "rapid development phase" or "extensive building program".

What distinguishes "a construction spree" from a regular construction project?

"A construction spree" implies a large number of projects happening in a short amount of time, suggesting a period of intense activity. A regular construction project is a single, planned undertaking, while a spree involves multiple simultaneous efforts.