a growing wave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a growing wave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increasing trend or movement in a particular context, such as social, economic, or environmental issues. Example: "There is a growing wave of support for renewable energy initiatives across the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many in the consulting industry are already expecting a growing wave of consolidation.

The New York Times

Two men were killed by security forces in a growing wave of unrest.

The New York Times

Sadara Ventures is joining a growing wave of investors plowing money into the Palestinian territories.

The New York Times

Mr. Dallas is part of a growing wave of suburbanites moving within city boundaries.

The New York Times

For about a generation, the U.S. surfed on a growing wave of debt.

The New York Times

Ferguson reacted by introducing Jonny Evans and Phil Jones to repel a growing wave of home attacks.

Independent

Millions of workers stayed home as part of a growing wave of protests aimed at forcing Mr. Chávez from power.

The New York Times

Thereafter, Slobodan MILOSEVIC exploited a growing wave of Serbian nationalism in order to strengthen centralised rule in the SFRY.

The Guardian

Venture Capital EARLY INVESTORS SEE PROMISE IN PALESTINIAN START-UPS Sadara Ventures is joining a growing wave of investors plowing money into the Palestinian territories.

The New York Times

And they fear a growing wave of kidnappings that have ensnared residents on trips outside the enclave; Christians and Shiites believe they are particular targets.

The New York Times

We were part of a growing wave of upper-but-not-too-upper-middle-class young families priced out of the Manhattan real-estate market.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a growing wave", ensure the context clearly indicates what is increasing, whether it's support, concern, or another measurable entity. For example, 'a growing wave of public support' clarifies the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "a growing wave" without specifying what is growing. Saying there's 'a growing wave' without defining its nature weakens the impact. Always provide clear context to maintain precision and prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

"A growing wave" functions as a noun phrase, where 'growing' modifies 'wave' to indicate an increase or intensification. It is typically used as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a trend or movement. Ludwig AI examples showcase its versatility across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a growing wave" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe increasing trends, sentiments, or phenomena. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, always specify what exactly is growing. While alternatives like ""a rising tide"" or ""an increasing surge"" exist, "a growing wave" maintains a balance of formality and impact, making it a reliable choice for expressing escalating situations across many different kinds of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a growing trend

This alternative focuses on the general direction or pattern of change over time rather than the force.

an increasing surge

The word 'surge' implies a sudden and powerful increase.

a rising tide

Uses a different metaphor to represent something that is increasing and affecting everything.

a mounting escalation

Highlights the increase in intensity or severity of a situation.

an expanding movement

Emphasizes the spread and outreach of an activity or group.

a burgeoning development

Focuses on the rapid and healthy growth of something new.

a snowballing effect

This emphasizes how an initial change or event creates more and more impact on the main subject.

a spreading phenomenon

The concept is that of ubiquity and dispersion across a geographic area.

a quickening pace

This alternative focuses on an accelerating rate of change.

a developing swell

Focuses on a gradual increase in size and intensity of something abstract.

FAQs

How can I use "a growing wave" in a sentence?

You can use "a growing wave" to describe an increasing trend or sentiment. For example, "There's "a growing wave" of interest in sustainable living" or "The company is facing "a growing wave" of customer complaints".

What are some alternatives to "a growing wave"?

Alternatives include "a rising tide", "an increasing surge", or "a growing trend" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a growing wave" in formal writing?

Yes, "a growing wave" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing trends, movements, or changes. Its use is widespread in reputable sources such as news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What does "a growing wave" typically refer to?

"A growing wave" typically refers to an increase in something—support, opposition, interest, concern, etc. It's a metaphorical way to describe a trend that is gaining momentum or becoming more prevalent over time.