a surge of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a surge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an increase in something, either in an absolute value or relative to what it was previously. For example, "We have seen a surge of interest in the product since making the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A surge of violence followed.

The New York Times

Then a surge of applause.

The New Yorker

A surge of relief washed over me.

The New York Times

A surge of tourism!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I felt a surge of power.

The New York Times - Sports

I feel a surge of it myself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clemens felt a surge of energy.

The New York Times - Sports

I felt a surge of anger.

The New Yorker

Nachman felt a surge of gratification.

The New Yorker

Lincoln felt a surge of hope.

MIT Technology Review

A surge of takeovers began in 2000.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a surge of" to vividly describe a sudden and significant increase in something, whether it's emotions, data, or physical phenomena. For example: "The company experienced a surge of orders after the product launch."

Common error

Avoid using "a surge of" to describe gradual or consistent increases. "Surge" implies a sudden and impactful change, not a steady climb. Instead, consider using phrases like "a gradual increase in" or "a steady rise in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a surge of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden and significant increase in a particular quantity or feeling, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples such as "a surge of violence" or "a surge of energy".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a surge of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a sudden and significant increase. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a rapid and impactful change, not a gradual one. Alternatives like "a rise in" or "an increase of" may be more appropriate for gradual changes. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate the intensity and impact of the increase you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rise in

Focuses on the upward trend or increase, less about the suddenness.

an increase of

Highlights the numerical or measurable growth.

a wave of

Emphasizes the sweeping and impactful nature of the increase.

a flood of

Suggests an overwhelming quantity or influx.

a burst of

Implies a sudden and energetic release or increase.

a spike in

Highlights a sharp, often temporary, increase.

a growth in

Focuses on the developmental or progressive aspect of the increase.

an upswing in

Indicates a positive change or improvement.

a leap in

Suggests a significant and abrupt jump.

an escalation of

Implies a gradual but intensifying increase, often in a negative context.

FAQs

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

Use "a surge of" to describe a sudden, significant increase in something. For example, "There was "a surge of interest" in the stock after the positive earnings report".

What are some alternatives to "a surge of"?

You can use alternatives like "a rise in", "an increase of", or "a wave of" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a surge of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a surge of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when accurately describing a sudden and substantial increase. However, consider the specific tone of your writing and whether a more neutral term like "an increase in" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a surge of" and "a gradual increase of"?

"A surge of" implies a sudden and rapid increase, while "a gradual increase of" indicates a slow and steady rise over time. The key difference is the speed and intensity of the change.