a wave of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a wave of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a large amount of something that has arrived or is happening all at once. For example: "A wave of people descended upon the store for the opening of the new product launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The result was a wave of foreclosures.

The New York Times

A wave of relief swept over us.

The New Yorker

In Paris a wave of executions followed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A result was a wave of refugees.

The New York Times

This set off a wave of emigration.

The Economist

A wave of caution dampened the mood.

The New York Times

They unleashed a wave of social mobility.

The Economist

Both rode a wave of fiscal conservativism.

The New York Times

A wave of guilt washed over me.

The New York Times

A wave of laudatory headlines follows.

The Economist

A wave of bank failures broke late in 1930.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of" to vividly depict a sudden and significant increase or feeling. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the impact or intensity of the surge. For example, "a wave of nostalgia" paints a stronger picture than simply "nostalgia".

Common error

While "a wave of" is appropriate for many situations, avoid overuse in formal or scientific writing where more precise or neutral language might be preferred. Instead of "a wave of innovation", consider "significant innovation" or "a surge in innovative activities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, forming a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it is frequently used to describe a sudden or large influx or surge of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a sudden and significant increase or surge, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media, though its appropriateness depends on the context. While it effectively conveys intensity, it's important to avoid overuse in formal writing where more precise language might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "a surge of" or "a flood of" to vary your writing. The phrase's neutral register allows for broad application, but always consider the tone and audience when choosing your words. The wide range of examples demonstrates its adaptability across diverse topics and situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of

This alternative emphasizes the sudden increase or rush of something, similar to a wave.

a flood of

This alternative suggests an overwhelming abundance or influx, much like a wave.

a rush of

This alternative highlights the speed and intensity of something arriving or happening suddenly.

a tide of

This alternative evokes a gradual increase and eventual dominance, similar to the rising tide of a wave.

a spate of

This alternative suggests a sudden outburst or rush of something, similar to a wave but often used for negative occurrences.

a burst of

This alternative suggests a sudden and energetic release or display of something.

a series of

This alternative indicates a sequence of events or items, implying a progression akin to a wave.

a stream of

This alternative implies a continuous flow or succession of something, like a constant wave.

an increase in

This alternative provides a more general way to describe a rise or growth in something.

an outbreak of

This alternative is often used when describing the sudden start of a disease, conflict, etc.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of" to describe a sudden increase or surge in something, like "a wave of enthusiasm swept through the crowd" or "the city experienced a wave of protests".

What can I say instead of "a wave of"?

You can use alternatives like "a surge of", "a flood of", or "a spate of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a wave of emotions" or "a wave of emotion"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a wave of emotions" is more common when referring to multiple distinct feelings, while "a wave of emotion" is used for a single, overwhelming feeling.

What's the difference between "a wave of" and "a series of"?

"A wave of" implies a sudden, impactful surge, while "a series of" suggests a sequence of related events or items occurring one after another. The emphasis shifts from intensity to sequential occurrence.