a significant wave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant wave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a wave that has considerable importance or impact, often in contexts related to science, oceanography, or metaphorically in discussions about trends or changes. Example: "The researchers observed a significant wave of change in the ocean's temperature patterns over the last decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It represents just the beginning of what will soon be a significant wave of growth and innovation pursued by global companies in emerging markets as they embrace social and environmental challenges as part of their drive for fresh commercial and sustainable outcomes.

The Guardian

The registration program uncovered little intelligence — 11 of the more than 85,000 men who came forward in the first year were found to have ties to terrorism — but it caught thousands of people who had been living in the country illegally, leading to a significant wave of deportations.

The New York Times

"This year there's been a significant wave of new laws in states across the country that have the effect of cracking down on voting rights," said Michael Waldman, the executive director of the Brennan Center, who noted that five million votes would have made a difference in both the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections.

The New York Times

A significant wave attenuation is observed by considering a random spring distribution.

Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids

This design sea state corresponds to a certain sea state with specific return period values of a significant wave height.

Coastal Engineering

Figure 5 Relationships between sediment concentration and (A) significant wave height during flood and (B) tidal channel velocity during ebb in a marsh channel in Louisiana, USA.

Ecological Processes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

We detect a significant wave-like oscillation with periods covering a planetary oscillation in both Es layer parameters.

Advances in Space Research

"They know that if there was a meltdown on the Korean peninsula they would face potentially a very significant wave of refugees trying to move into China and the risk of instability on their borders, which they wouldn't welcome," Hammond said.

The Guardian

"A pretty significant wave is building," says Wick, who has run the Seligman Communications & Information fund since 1990.

Forbes

This paper presents a dynamic significant wave height prediction procedure based on the perceptron Kalman filtering concepts.

Ocean Engineering

In objecting to U.S. policy, the Syrian Civil Defense joins an already significant wave of complaints from non-extremist, anti-government Syrians.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant wave" metaphorically, choose contexts where the image of a wave conveys the intended meaning of impact and movement effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant wave" in overly general or vague contexts. Be specific about what is increasing or changing to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant wave" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes a particular instance or period characterized by a notable increase or change. Ludwig AI shows examples in both literal (oceanography) and metaphorical contexts (social trends).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant wave" is a versatile phrase used to describe a notable increase or change, often with metaphorical implications. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and general reference. The phrase serves to emphasize the magnitude or impact of an event or trend, and its appropriateness ranges from neutral to formal, as evidenced by its presence in academic, news, and encyclopedia sources. While commonly used, ensure clarity and specificity to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like ""a notable surge"" or ""a considerable increase"" can be used to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a notable surge

Replaces 'significant' with 'notable' and 'wave' with 'surge', emphasizing a sudden increase or rush.

a considerable increase

Focuses on the aspect of increase, using 'considerable' to highlight the magnitude.

a marked rise

Highlights the upward trend, replacing 'wave' with 'rise' and 'significant' with 'marked'.

a substantial development

Shifts the focus to development, implying growth and change, and uses 'substantial' for emphasis.

a major trend

Emphasizes the trend aspect, using 'major' to indicate importance.

a pronounced effect

Focuses on the impact or result, replacing 'wave' with 'effect' and 'significant' with 'pronounced'.

a powerful movement

Conveys strength and momentum, suitable when describing social or political changes.

a great upswing

Highlights an upward swing or positive change, using 'great' to amplify the effect.

a sweeping change

Emphasizes the breadth and scope of the change, using 'sweeping' to suggest widespread impact.

an important shift

Highlights the shift or change in direction, using 'important' to denote significance.

FAQs

How can "a significant wave" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a significant wave" to describe a substantial increase or change, as in "The company experienced a significant wave of new customers after the marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "a significant wave"?

Alternatives include "a notable surge", "a considerable increase", or "a marked rise" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a significant wave" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in scientific or business contexts where precise language is valued. However, ensure the context is clear and the metaphor is apt.

What does "significant wave height" mean in oceanography?

In oceanography, "significant wave height" refers to the average height of the highest one-third of waves in a given sea state, used as a measure of wave intensity. For example, "The significant wave height during the storm reached 31 feet."