a flurry of activity

USAGE SUMMARY

"a flurry of activity" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a rapid and busy burst of action or movement. Example: As soon as the school bell rang, there was a flurry of activity in the hallways as students rushed to their next class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A flurry of activity followed.

The New York Times

Suddenly a flurry of activity.

The New York Times

The decision is set to prompt a flurry of activity.

The Guardian - Money

"We may see a flurry of activity around that time".

The Guardian - Money

Richard Prince is in a flurry of activity.

The Guardian - Arts

So you're expecting a flurry of activity towards the deadline?

The Guardian

The articles in December seem to have set off a flurry of activity at A.C.L.N.

The New York Times

The amended complaint is the latest in a flurry of activity around the case.

The Guardian - Sport

On Aim, EKF Diagnostics climbed 3p to 23.5p after a flurry of activity.

The Guardian - Business

A flurry of activity in the last two weeks has brought those numbers up.

The New York Times - Travel

But inside Orlando's LGBT Center, symbolism gave way to a flurry of activity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flurry of activity" to vividly describe a sudden burst of energy or movement, especially when highlighting a change from a calmer state. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts to add dynamism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a flurry of activity" to describe ongoing, consistent busyness. This phrase implies a temporary increase in activity, not a constant state. For persistent activity, consider phrases like "a constant hum of activity" or "continuous operation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flurry of activity" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden and energetic burst of actions or movements, as demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flurry of activity" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a sudden burst of energetic actions or movements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's important to use it accurately to describe temporary increases in activity rather than continuous states. Alternatives like "a burst of activity" or "a surge of activity" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flurry of action

Substitutes "activity" with "action", highlighting the dynamic nature.

a burst of activity

Focuses on the sudden commencement of activity.

a surge of activity

Implies a rapid increase in the level of activity.

a whirlwind of activity

Suggests chaotic and rapid activity, like a whirlwind.

a hive of activity

Suggests a place filled with busy and energetic movement.

a period of intense activity

Emphasizes the high level and duration of the activity.

an outbreak of activity

Conveys the sudden, often unexpected, start of activity.

a hive of industry

Highlights diligence and productiveness while maintaining a busy atmosphere.

an upswing in activity

Emphasizes the rising trend or positive change in the amount of action.

a crescendo of activity

Suggests a gradual increase in the activity, reaching a peak.

FAQs

How can I use "a flurry of activity" in a sentence?

You can use "a flurry of activity" to describe a sudden burst of actions or movements. For example, "There was a flurry of activity in the kitchen as the chefs prepared for the dinner rush."

What can I say instead of "a flurry of activity"?

You can use alternatives like "a burst of activity", "a surge of activity", or "a whirlwind of activity" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a flurry of activity" in formal writing?

Yes, "a flurry of activity" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is widely used in news articles, business reports, and academic papers to describe a sudden increase in activity.

What's the difference between "a flurry of activity" and "a period of activity"?

"A flurry of activity" implies a sudden and often short-lived burst, whereas "a period of activity" refers to a longer, sustained duration. For example, you might say "there was a flurry of activity after the announcement", but "the company experienced a period of intense activity during the merger".