a swelling tide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a swelling tide' is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is gradually growing and gaining momentum. For example, "The public outcry against the proposal grew steadily, with a swelling tide of people joining the protest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I've noticed a swelling tide of subway readers clutching Song of Ice and Fire books lately.

The New Yorker

The demonstrations are only the latest in a swelling tide of unrest.

The Guardian

That has helped the US to leap ahead in its development of systems, but also seen a swelling tide of resentment in the US at the burgeoning amount of individuals' data collected and traded, and sometimes stolen.

The Guardian - Tech

Bijayini Satpathy is Shiva, the male principle, while Sen is Shivah, and together the two women create a dance of mesmerising sensuality, their bodies moving and conjoining like a swelling tide, yielding but ineluctable.

The Guardian

The Cytodyne case is part of a swelling tide of litigation that is raising serious questions about the way makers of ephedra and other dietary supplements use -- and often misuse -- the promise of scientific proof to market their products.

The New York Times

Although Syria has seen a swelling tide of Arab visitors, concern about Middle East violence keeps most Westerners away except for various diplomats, oil engineers and a few businessmen stationed here.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Allen's film comes across as a kind of fast-moving fever-dream – appropriately enough, given the swelling tide of fantasy that Thomas instils in the drama: everyone, and everything, is operating through a sweaty film of lust or delusion.

The Guardian - Film

The swelling tide of protests prompted President Dilma Rousseff to cancel a trip next week to Japan, her office said.

The Guardian

At the top of the list of candidates — the man responsible for the recent shake-up of Dutch politics, who is making some people in Europe begin to wonder whether he represents a way for mainstream parties on the Continent to successfully combat the swelling tide of populist, anti-immigrant voices — was Job Cohen, who until March was the mayor of Amsterdam.

The New York Times - Magazine

The swelling tide of toxic home loans is proving to be even more worrisome than initially feared, Ms. Bair said.

The New York Times

Within a few hours on Wednesday, at least one person was dead and four injured as the north-east region of Burma became the latest to fall prey to the country's swelling tide of anti-Muslim unrest.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a swelling tide" to describe a gradual increase in something, whether it's support, sentiment, or a tangible quantity. Ensure the context implies a steady and noticeable growth.

Common error

Avoid using "a swelling tide" for sudden, abrupt changes. This phrase implies a gradual and sustained increase, not a sudden burst or spike. For rapid changes, consider using alternatives like "a sudden surge" or "an abrupt increase".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a swelling tide" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It often acts as a figurative expression to describe a gradual increase or growth in something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a swelling tide" is a noun phrase commonly used to depict a gradual but significant increase in something, often in the context of trends, movements, or sentiment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in reputable news and media sources. When using this phrase, it's important to convey the idea of sustained growth rather than sudden change. For related phrases, consider alternatives such as "a growing wave" or "an increasing groundswell" to subtly shift the emphasis. Although common, be aware of other more technical terms if you need to improve communication in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a growing wave

Replaces 'tide' with 'wave', emphasizing the increasing size and momentum of something.

a rising surge

Uses 'surge' instead of 'tide' to convey a sudden and powerful increase.

an increasing groundswell

Replaces 'swelling tide' with 'increasing groundswell' to suggest a gradual increase in public opinion or support.

a mounting wave

Similar to 'a growing wave' but suggests a more imposing or threatening increase.

a gathering momentum

Focuses on the increasing speed and force of something rather than its size.

a burgeoning trend

Highlights the rapid development and expansion of a particular trend or phenomenon.

a proliferating growth

Emphasizes the widespread and rapid increase in something.

an escalating pattern

Suggests a gradual but steady increase in the intensity or frequency of something.

a snowballing effect

Implies that the increase is rapidly accelerating, like a snowball rolling down a hill.

a spreading influence

Focuses on the increasing reach and impact of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a swelling tide" in a sentence?

Use "a swelling tide" to describe a gradual increase in something. For example: "There's "a swelling tide" of support for the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "a swelling tide"?

Alternatives include "a growing wave", "a rising surge", or "an increasing groundswell", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a swelling tide" in formal writing?

Yes, "a swelling tide" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news, analytical, or descriptive contexts where you need to illustrate a gradual increase in something.

What's the difference between "a swelling tide" and "a rising tide"?

While similar, "a swelling tide" often implies a more significant or impactful increase than "a rising tide". "Swelling" suggests a build-up of pressure or force, whereas "rising" is a more general term for increase.