a crescendo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crescendo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual increase in loudness or intensity, often in music or metaphorically in other contexts. Example: "The symphony built up to a crescendo, leaving the audience in awe of the powerful finale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gunfire rose to a crescendo.

The New York Times

"To reach a crescendo" is an idiom.

The New York Times

This year has seen a crescendo of attacks.

The Economist

He builds the week to a crescendo.

The New York Times - Sports

Fans' questions inevitably built to a crescendo.

The Guardian - Tech

Nightly mating calls were at a crescendo.

The New York Times - Science

When my whining hit a crescendo, Becky suggested they stop.

The New York Times

Nor did he audit CityTime, despite a crescendo of grumblings.

The New York Times

The finale brings the theme of storytelling to a crescendo.

The New Yorker

He raised his voice, which was building in a crescendo.

The New York Times - Sports

A crescendo is the process, in music, of getting louder.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a crescendo" to describe a gradual increase in intensity or volume, whether in a literal (musical) or figurative sense.

Common error

Avoid using "crescendo" as a verb. It's a noun describing a process. Instead of saying "The music crescendoed", say "The music reached a crescendo" or "The music built to a crescendo".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a crescendo" is that of a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a gradual increase in intensity, volume, or force, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a crescendo" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to describe a gradual increase in intensity or volume. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, primarily in news, media, and encyclopedic writings. It is crucial to remember that "crescendo" itself is a noun and should not be used as a verb. The phrase's neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic writing. Related phrases include "a gradual increase" or "a mounting intensity", which can be helpful for finding a varied wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mounting intensity

Highlights the increasing strength or force.

a growing swell

Focuses on the gradual and expanding nature of the increase.

a gradual increase

Focuses on the progressive aspect of growth, omitting the peak.

a build-up

Highlights the preparatory stages before reaching a climax.

an escalation

Suggests a rapid increase, often in conflict or tension.

a rising tide

Implies a steady increase, often in quantity or emotion.

a culmination

Focuses on the final result or climax of a process.

a surge

Implies a sudden and powerful increase.

a peak

Emphasizes the highest point, rather than the building process.

a headlong rush

Suggests moving toward something intensely and recklessly.

FAQs

How can I use "a crescendo" in a sentence?

You can use "a crescendo" to describe a gradual increase in intensity, volume, or emotion. For example, "The tension in the room built to "a crescendo" as the verdict was read".

What is a synonym for "a crescendo"?

Synonyms for "a crescendo" include "a gradual increase", "a mounting intensity", or "a build-up", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "reach a crescendo"?

Yes, it is correct to say "reach a crescendo". It means to arrive at the peak of intensity or volume. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used and grammatically sound expression.

What's the difference between "a crescendo" and "a climax"?

"A crescendo" refers to the gradual build-up to a peak, while "a climax" refers to the peak itself. A crescendo describes the process, while a climax describes the result.