a tidal wave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tidal wave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large and overwhelming wave, often metaphorically to indicate a sudden and powerful influx of something, such as emotions or events. Example: "The announcement of the new policy created a tidal wave of reactions from the public, both positive and negative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A tidal wave of criticism has followed.

The New York Times

My hair is a tidal wave.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It submerged cinema like a tidal wave".

The Guardian - Film

Hardly a tidal wave of vituperation.

The Guardian - Film

"It would take quite a tidal wave to reach us".

The New York Times

It's like a tidal wave of human emotion.

The Guardian

"But it's a ripple in a tidal wave," he said.

The New York Times

"This is a tidal wave that will engulf the sport.

The Guardian - Sport

Music, for me, was like a tidal wave.

The New Yorker

"It felt like a tidal wave," Pahwa recalled.

The Guardian - Tech

It was like being beached by a tidal wave.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tidal wave" to describe events, emotions, or changes that arrive with immense force and impact. This usage effectively conveys a sense of being overwhelmed.

Common error

Avoid using "a tidal wave" in contexts where the impact is minor or gradual. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact when describing truly significant events. Consider using more nuanced language to describe smaller phenomena.

Linguistic Context

A tidal wave functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It commonly acts as a metaphor to describe something powerful and overwhelming. Ludwig AI confirms this metaphorical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Music

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tidal wave" is a versatile noun phrase widely used to describe overwhelming forces or events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of immensity and impact, making it a powerful metaphorical tool. While commonly found in news, media and sports contexts, overuse can diminish its impact; consider more specific language for minor or gradual events. Remember to use "a tidal wave" when you want to emphasize the overwhelming nature of something, and explore alternatives like ""an overwhelming surge"" or "a powerful torrent" to tailor your message precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an overwhelming surge

Focuses on the feeling of being overcome by something powerful.

a massive influx

Emphasizes the large quantity of something entering a system or situation.

a powerful torrent

Highlights the forceful and rapid flow of something, often emotions or events.

an unstoppable force

Conveys the idea that something cannot be prevented or resisted.

a groundswell of support

Specifically refers to a growing wave of public agreement or approval.

a flood of emotions

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of feelings.

a deluge of information

Focuses on an excessive amount of data being received.

a cascade of events

Suggests a series of events happening in quick succession, each triggering the next.

a sudden rush

Highlights the immediacy and speed of the event.

a sea change

Implies a fundamental shift or transformation, rather than just a surge.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tidal wave" to describe an overwhelming surge of something, like "The product launch created "an overwhelming surge" of interest" or "a massive influx of orders".

What are some alternatives to "a tidal wave"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""an overwhelming surge"", "a powerful torrent", or "a groundswell of support".

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

While "a tidal wave" is acceptable in news and media, for more formal or scientific writing, consider using less figurative language. Instead, try phrases like "a significant increase" or "a substantial change" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something is described as "a tidal wave"?

It signifies that something is arriving or occurring with immense force, overwhelming impact, and on a large scale. It suggests that whatever is being described is difficult to resist or control, much like a real tidal wave.