a wash of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wash of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is overwhelming or saturating, often in a metaphorical sense, such as emotions or colors. Example: "As she walked through the garden, she was enveloped by a wash of vibrant colors and fragrant scents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A wash of claret at the window.

The New Yorker

Disembarking, I felt a wash of recall.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A wash of water swamped his outpost, and kept advancing.

The New Yorker

Or will it run out in a wash of construction?

The New York Times

A wash of blue sweeping the board is excruciatingly familiar.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was overcome with a wash of shyness and terror.

The New Yorker

Eyes might get a wash of white shadow.

The New York Times

Despite his doctor's enthusiasm, Ben was confronted with a wash of conflicting emotion.

Stanford University

One fears HBOS will get lost in a wash of generalities.

The Guardian - Business

Then, into the shower for a wash of the face and body.

The Guardian

Type 'off-duty model style' into google, and you'll find a wash of cookie-cutter looks.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wash of" to create a vivid image of something being gently covered or permeated, particularly when describing light, color, emotions, or sound. For example, "The room was filled with a wash of golden sunlight."

Common error

Avoid using "a wash of" excessively in purely descriptive contexts where a more direct adjective or verb would be more effective. Instead of "The painting had a wash of blue", consider "The painting was predominantly blue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wash of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun to describe a quality or characteristic that is broadly diffused or gently covers something. It often conveys a sense of immersion or envelopment. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use with colors, emotions, and sounds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wash of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a diffused or pervasive quality, often relating to sensory experiences or emotions. It is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, its purpose is to evoke a sense of immersion. While effective in adding descriptive depth, avoid overusing it in place of more direct language. Consider alternatives like "a surge of" or "a flood of" to add nuances to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of

Emphasizes a sudden and powerful increase or rush, suggesting a more intense and immediate experience than "a wash of".

a flood of

Suggests an overwhelming quantity or influx, similar to "a wash of" but with a stronger sense of being inundated.

an abundance of

Focuses on the plentiful nature of something, highlighting the quantity rather than the sensory or emotional impact.

a wave of

Implies a gradual build-up and release, suggesting a rhythmic or cyclical pattern to the experience.

a burst of

Highlights a sudden and energetic release, contrasting with the more gentle and pervasive feel of "a wash of".

a blanket of

Emphasizes the covering or enveloping aspect, suggesting a protective or concealing effect.

a stream of

Conveys a continuous flow or procession, highlighting the ongoing nature of the experience.

a rush of

Similar to "a surge of", but can also imply a hurried or frantic feeling, depending on the context.

a cascade of

Suggests a falling or flowing movement, often used for visual or auditory experiences.

a spectrum of

Emphasizes a range or variety of elements, rather than a uniform covering or experience.

FAQs

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

Use "a wash of" to describe something that covers or permeates gently and broadly. For example, "The sunset cast "a wash of orange" across the sky" or "She felt "a wash of relief" after hearing the good news".

What are some alternatives to "a wash of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a surge of", "a flood of", or "an abundance of". Choose the alternative that best conveys the specific nuance you intend.

Is it correct to say "a wash of emotions"?

Yes, it is correct. "A wash of emotions" is a common and accepted way to describe a situation where someone is experiencing a range of feelings simultaneously. It suggests that the emotions are covering or overwhelming the person.

What is the difference between "a wash of" and "a flood of"?

"A wash of" implies a more gentle and even distribution, while ""a flood of"" suggests a sudden and overwhelming influx. Use "a wash of" when something is covering or permeating gradually, and "a flood of" when it arrives forcefully.