a powerful surge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful surge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong increase or wave of something, such as energy, emotion, or physical force. Example: "After the announcement, there was a powerful surge of excitement among the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This city is bracing for a powerful surge of water predicted to break records by as much as five feet.

The New York Times

On the evening of the incident, workers failed to detect a powerful surge of gas that resulted from an equipment failure in the well.

The New York Times

Iran's 2009 presidential election was an exciting spectacle that aroused a powerful surge of optimism in the populace but ended with the trauma of a violent crackdown.

The New York Times

For us, Occupy Wall Street represents a powerful surge against capitalism, yet another sign of the waning tolerance for a system that Yellen will try to preserve.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the first decade of the 16th century they coalesced into a powerful surge of religious, social, and political agitation, for which "reform" (of church and society) was the code word.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And, in Israel's case, it is creating a powerful surge of international opinion, particularly in Europe and on college campuses, that Israel is a pariah state because of its West Bank occupation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Ramires shot wastefully wide after a rare powerful surge into the Spanish half, while lone striker Fernando Torres was so isolated that he was unable to hurt his former club.

BBC

There's a distinct change of gear: a smooth and powerful surge of energy.

BBC

The toilets in the boys' room on the third floor of Bayside High School in Queens flush with a quick but powerful surge and then water gurgles back up into the bowl.

The New York Times

Is this simply a strong bear market rally or the first powerful surge of a new bull?

Forbes

A violent storm generating a powerful tidal surge in the North Sea.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a powerful surge", consider the connotations of force and suddenness. Ensure that the context aligns with the intensity the phrase conveys. For example, it works well to describe flood waters or intense feelings but less so for gradual increases.

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful surge" in passive constructions where the subject isn't actively causing or experiencing the surge. Instead of saying 'The market was affected by a powerful surge', consider 'A powerful surge affected the market'. This makes the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful surge" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "powerful" modifies the noun "surge". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a strong increase or wave of something. Examples confirm its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a powerful surge" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a sudden and impactful increase or movement. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, ranging from physical phenomena to abstract concepts like emotions or opinions. Predominantly found in news and media, wiki, and science-related content, this phrase conveys a sense of intensity and significance. To maximize impact, use it in active voice constructions and be mindful of the connotations of force and suddenness. Remember that several alternatives exist, such as "a sudden rush" or "a strong wave", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden rush

Emphasizes speed and suddenness but may lack the implication of sustained force found in "surge".

a strong wave

Focuses on the wave-like nature of the increase, implying a rise and fall, which isn't always present in a surge.

a vigorous upsurge

Combines intensity with the upward direction, suggesting a more positive and energetic connotation than a regular surge.

an intense burst

Highlights the suddenness and intensity, possibly implying a shorter duration than a surge.

a potent upswing

Highlights the effectiveness and strength of the upward movement.

a significant upswing

Emphasizes an upward trend and improvement, differing from the suddenness of a surge.

an energetic boost

Suggests an increase in energy or momentum, potentially lacking the forceful nature of a surge.

a forceful gush

Implies a liquid or fluid-like movement and is often not suitable for describing abstract concepts.

a rapid escalation

Focuses on the increasing nature of something, such as conflict or costs, making it less suitable for describing physical movements.

a marked increase

Is a more neutral and general term, lacking the sense of force and suddenness.

FAQs

How can I use "a powerful surge" in a sentence?

You can use "a powerful surge" to describe various scenarios, such as "a powerful surge of water" flooding a town or "a powerful surge of emotion" overwhelming someone.

What words are similar to "a powerful surge"?

Similar phrases include "a sudden rush", "a strong wave", or "an intense burst", all of which describe a sudden and forceful increase.

Is it correct to say "a surge that was powerful" instead of "a powerful surge"?

While grammatically correct, "a surge that was powerful" is less concise and impactful than "a powerful surge". The latter is a more common and direct way to express the idea.

Can "a powerful surge" describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "a powerful surge" can effectively describe abstract concepts like "a powerful surge of optimism" or "a powerful surge of support", emphasizing a significant and sudden increase in those areas.