a spate of activity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a spate of activity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden or large number of events or actions occurring in a short period of time. Example: "The city experienced a spate of activity as preparations for the festival began, with vendors setting up stalls and performers rehearsing their acts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, you must put a great deal of thought into the way you approach PR: it is really important, before plunging into a spate of activity and promotion, that you have an interesting story to tell.

The Guardian

The 1969 fire, which apparently started when a passing train showered the Cuyahoga with sparks, prompted a spate of activity.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A spate of takeover activity lower down the market enlivened the day.

The Guardian - Business

A spate of investigative activity followed the launch of Pathfinder in 2003.

The Guardian - Opinion

A spate of takeover activity and a positive start on Wall Street gave the market a lift today after its recent weakness.

The Guardian - Business

A spate of takeover activity and a positive start on Wall Street has given the market a lift after its recent weakness.

The Guardian - Business

He said the recent run-up in prices had been caused by a spate of speculative activity in the commodity markets, not by inadequate supply.

The New York Times

It comes amid a spate of M&A activity in the space.

TechCrunch

It comes amid a spate of M&A activity in the space.

TechCrunch

There has been a spate of takeover activity among base metal miners, reflecting in large part demand from the industrializing economies of China, India and other Asian countries.

Forbes

The secondary ticketing market has been heating up with a spate of M&A activity which has seen Stubhub, TicketsNow and GetMeIn snapped up in the last 12 months by eBay and Ticketmaster.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a spate of activity" when you want to emphasize a sudden, noticeable increase in actions or events, especially when these occur within a limited timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "a spate of activity" to describe ongoing, long-term trends. The phrase suggests a temporary surge, not a continuous state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a spate of activity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden or large number of occurrences of activity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and provides various examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a spate of activity" is a correct and frequently used phrase to describe a sudden increase in actions or events, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase and has a neutral register, fitting well into diverse writing contexts. While sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, it's crucial to remember that it denotes a temporary surge rather than an ongoing trend. For alternative expressions, consider "a flurry of activity" or "a surge of activity" to add subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flurry of activity

Emphasizes a brief and often chaotic burst of actions.

a surge of activity

Implies a strong and sudden increase in activity.

a burst of activity

Highlights a sudden and energetic commencement of actions.

an outbreak of activity

Suggests a sudden and widespread occurrence of actions, often with a negative connotation.

a wave of activity

Conveys a gradual increase and subsequent decrease in activity, like a wave.

a period of heightened activity

Indicates a specific duration characterized by increased actions.

a marked increase in activity

Focuses on the noticeable rise in the level of activity.

a crescendo of activity

Implies a gradual increase in intensity, culminating in a peak of activity.

a quickening of pace

Highlights an acceleration in the rate at which actions are performed.

a stepped-up pace

Indicates an increased speed or rate of activity, often deliberate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a spate of activity" to describe a sudden increase in actions or events. For example, "The marketing department launched a spate of activity to boost sales before the end of the quarter."

What's a good alternative to "a spate of activity"?

Alternatives include "a flurry of activity", "a surge of activity", or "a burst of activity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "spate" a positive or negative term when used with "activity"?

The term "spate" itself is neutral, but the overall connotation depends on the nature of the activity it describes. It could be positive (e.g., "a spate of charitable donations") or negative (e.g., "a spate of burglaries").

How does "a spate of activity" differ from "a period of activity"?

"A spate of activity" implies a sudden and intense burst, whereas "a period of activity" simply suggests an extended duration of actions, without necessarily implying intensity or suddenness.