a tremendous wave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tremendous wave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large and powerful wave, often in a literal sense related to the ocean or metaphorically to indicate a significant impact or change. Example: "As the storm approached, a tremendous wave crashed against the shore, sending spray high into the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"There's been a tremendous wave of relief and celebration, and I noticed it the other night in this gig [the Prince Charles birthday gala] with Robin Williams.

Independent

The sniper was firing single shots, he said, into a "tremendous wave of gunfire that lasted 25 minutes to half an hour".

The New York Times

But to have any chance at all, she would need a sudden startling string of prodigious victories against a candidate who is better-financed and riding a tremendous wave of momentum.

The New York Times

A tremendous wave of violence was unleashed on the black townships around Johannesburg by the black and white right wing (the black right was the primarily rural Zulu movement, Inkatha), with more deaths registered than at any point since the end of the Boer War.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once people know that it's a female I get a tremendous wave of support".

BBC

Regardless of the particulars specified in Powell's ultimate ruling, the result of all of this studying, commenting and hand-wringing will sooner or later usher in a tremendous wave of media consolidation.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

After putting them all end-to-end to compound and increase their amplification, and then saying "Testing" into them, Bart inadvertently creates a massive sonic feedback loop, sending out a tremendous shock wave that shatters anything made out of glass in Springfield and rendering the population temporarily partially deaf.

Wikipedia

For more than four years, the fate of the housing market here and across the country has been closely tied to the tremendous wave of foreclosures.

The New York Times

But seriously, with the tremendous wave of crime already coursing through our neighborhood streets, does the D.C. government really think that we need SIX marijuana growing centers right here?

Huffington Post

Three more tremendous waves followed.

The New York Times

At Tuesday's opening, tremendous waves of selling set off pandemonium on the trading floor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tremendous wave" to describe not only physical phenomena like ocean waves but also metaphorical surges in emotions, support, or societal trends. For example, "The new policy faced "a tremendous wave" of opposition."

Common error

Avoid using "a tremendous wave" to describe minor or insignificant events. This phrase conveys a sense of great power and impact; using it inappropriately can diminish its effect and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tremendous wave" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something, either literally or figuratively, that possesses immense power or magnitude. Ludwig AI provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tremendous wave" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe something of great magnitude, force, or impact. According to Ludwig AI, it's used both literally (describing ocean waves) and figuratively (describing surges in emotion or societal trends). While suitable for formal contexts, it is most commonly found in news and media. To avoid misuse, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations where the scale and impact are genuinely significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a huge surge

Replaces "wave" with "surge", emphasizing a sudden and forceful increase.

a massive swell

Uses "swell" instead of "wave", implying a large and gradually increasing movement.

an enormous rush

Substitutes "wave" with "rush", highlighting the speed and intensity of the movement.

a powerful groundswell

Emphasizes the underlying force and widespread nature of the movement, often used metaphorically.

a significant upsurge

Highlights the upward trend and importance of the increase.

a great tide

Replaces "wave" with "tide", suggesting a broader and more sustained movement or influence.

a sweeping motion

Focuses on the broad and encompassing nature of the movement.

a vast inundation

Implies an overwhelming and all-encompassing flood or surge.

a considerable ground wave

Emphasizes the propagation of wave energy through the ground, commonly used in a literal sense.

an immense pulse

Suggests a strong and sudden burst or surge of energy.

FAQs

How can "a tremendous wave" be used metaphorically?

Beyond literal sea contexts, "a tremendous wave" can describe a surge of emotion, a groundswell of public opinion, or an overwhelming trend. For example, you might say, "The product launch generated "a tremendous wave of excitement"".

What are some alternatives to "a tremendous wave" for describing a large quantity?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "a massive influx", "a huge surge", or "a vast amount". The best choice depends on what's being quantified.

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

Yes, "a tremendous wave" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when conveying significant impact or scale. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece and avoid overuse.

What's the difference between "a tremendous wave" and "a large wave"?

"A tremendous wave" suggests not only size but also force, power, and impact, whereas "a large wave" simply refers to physical size. Use "a tremendous wave" when you want to emphasize the magnitude of the effect or force.