a substantial wave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial wave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or considerable wave, often in contexts related to oceanography, physics, or metaphorical uses in discussions about trends or movements. Example: "The storm generated a substantial wave that crashed against the shore, causing significant erosion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mitosis also sees a substantial wave of protein phosphorylation, controlling signaling events that coordinate mitotic processes and ensure accurate chromosome segregation.

Trends in Cell Biology

A substantial wave velocity decrease, as much as 47.7% at certain frequencies, was recorded in rock bolts grouted in fully cured concrete in comparison to non-grouted bolts.

Journal of Applied Geophysics

The relaxation of immigration restrictions in the mid-1960s brought a substantial wave into the South Asian community, making Devon Avenue on the far North Side its arrival portal and main shopping street.

Britannica

Those who organized the congregation in 1885 were part of a substantial wave of Romanian-Jewish immigrants, most of whom settled in the Lower East Side.

Wikipedia

A substantial wave of CD33+ myeloid cells was observed in cultures initiated with CD34+ CD10Lo progenitors, and sustained myelopoiesis resulted in remaining cultures of CD10− stem/progenitors.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Recent research conducted by the HPA has suggested that a very substantial wave of activity associated with the pandemic strain is not likely". And a spokeswoman for the Department of Health said despite the increasing demands on services the NHS was "coping very well".

BBC

A second substantial wave of nociceptors first acquires mechanosensitivity in the form of an SA-type current after birth.

EMBO Journal

However, our data also revealed a second substantial wave of transcriptional rewiring that took place during the transition to manifest disease.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

This seems to have always been true of higher education in the UK – from the foundation of the colleges of London University (described by Coleridge as a "bazaar") through to the last substantial wave of liberalisation, the granting of university title to the former polytechnics.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a result, she said, there was another substantial wave of deaths in March 1958.

The New York Times

But a substantial new wave will arrive on July 3 with Lionsgate's release of a documentary, "Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain," from two black directors, Leslie Small and Tim Story.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial wave" to describe a trend or movement, ensure the context clearly establishes what is surging or increasing. For example, "a substantial wave of innovation" or "a substantial wave of immigration".

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial wave" in very informal or casual conversations. The phrase carries a degree of formality and is better suited for academic, news, or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial wave" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "wave". Ludwig AI examples show it describing significant increases or movements across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial wave" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant increase or surge, suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and primarily used in science and news media. While the phrase is not very common, it effectively conveys the magnitude of a trend or movement. When using "a substantial wave", ensure the context clarifies the specific element that is surging, and be mindful of the formality, reserving it for appropriate settings. Alternatives such as "a significant surge" or "a considerable increase" can provide similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a powerful surge

Replaces "substantial" with "powerful" emphasizing the strength of the surge

a significant surge

Replaces "wave" with "surge", emphasizing a sudden increase or rush.

a considerable increase

Uses "increase" to highlight the growth aspect of the wave, implying a notable rise in quantity or intensity.

a considerable upswing

Combines "considerable" with "upswing" to indicate a noteworthy upward trend.

a marked upturn

Focuses on the upward trend implied by the wave, suggesting a distinct improvement or rise.

a significant current

Uses "current" as an alternative to "wave", focusing on the flow or movement.

a large influx

Emphasizes the arrival or flow of something in great quantity, akin to a wave.

a vast movement

Emphasizes the expansive nature of the movement, using "vast" to convey a large scale.

a major movement

Broadens the scope to any significant shift or change, capturing the essence of a wave as a driving force.

a notable development

Highlights the importance and visibility of the wave as a significant event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial wave" to describe a significant increase or surge in something. For example, "The city experienced a substantial wave of tourism during the summer months."

What can I say instead of "a substantial wave"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant surge", "a considerable increase", or "a major movement" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a substantial wave" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, news, or professional contexts where a more descriptive and impactful phrase is desired.

What's the difference between "a substantial wave" and "a small ripple"?

"A substantial wave" implies a significant and noticeable increase or movement, whereas "a small ripple" suggests a minor and less impactful change. The choice depends on the magnitude of the event you are describing.