a wave of anger

USAGE SUMMARY

'a wave of anger' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a sudden intense feeling of anger. For example, "After the news was released, there was a wave of anger among the staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BRUSSELS — Just a month ago, after being propelled to power by a wave of anger at Greece's economic miseries, Alexis Tsipras declared his left-wing Syriza party's election victory the start of a Europe-wide revolt against austerity.

The New York Times

I felt a wave of anger.

The Guardian

This triggered a wave of anger.

The Guardian - Opinion

Television pictures created a wave of anger and indignation.

The Guardian

A wave of anger slams me and almost knocks me down.

The New Yorker

These events triggered a wave of anger at Iran in most parts of the Arab world.

The Guardian - Opinion

We knew it would be so, before it broke as a wave of anger and distress.

The Guardian

Now, he has solicited a wave of anger and baffled amusement from Belgians after their European capital came under attack.

Independent

The casual stereotyping by Hollywood heavyweights set off a wave of anger from moviemakers and civil rights leaders.

The Washington Post

The verdict set off a wave of anger in Peru over what many see as honoring terrorists and killers.

The New York Times

The news of Vautour's switch generated a wave of anger and criticism on social media, but again, Ricci was unmoved.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase in close proximity within your writing; vary your descriptions of anger to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Don't use "a wave of anger" to describe mild annoyance or minor irritation. It's meant to convey a significant emotional impact, not a trivial feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of anger" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden and intense emotional experience. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, expressing a sudden intense feeling of anger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of anger" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a sudden, intense feeling of anger. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used in various written contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "a surge of rage" or "an outburst of fury" exist, they convey slightly different nuances. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to vividly depict the overwhelming nature of the emotion, making it a powerful tool for writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of rage

Highlights the sudden and powerful increase in anger, similar to "a wave of anger" but with a focus on intensity.

a flood of fury

Similar to a surge, but uses flood to convey a sense of being overwhelmed by anger.

a storm of outrage

Implies a widespread and intense expression of anger from many people.

a burst of animosity

Highlights a sudden release of hostile feelings, very close to "a wave of anger".

an outburst of fury

Emphasizes a sudden and uncontrolled release of anger, more explosive than "a wave of anger".

an explosion of wrath

Conveys a sudden and violent expression of anger, stronger than "a wave of anger".

an upwelling of indignation

Suggests a moral anger arising from perceived injustice, a specific type of "a wave of anger".

a tide of resentment

Focuses on a gradually building feeling of anger and bitterness, rather than a sudden surge.

a fit of pique

Suggests a more temporary and less intense display of anger, often related to wounded pride.

a flash of irritation

Indicates a brief and mild feeling of anger, much weaker than "a wave of anger".

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of anger" to describe a sudden and intense feeling. For example, "A wave of anger washed over her when she heard the news."

What is a synonym for "a wave of anger"?

Alternatives include "a surge of rage", "an outburst of fury", or "a flood of fury", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a wave of anger" an idiom?

While "a wave of anger" is a common expression, it's more accurately described as a metaphor. It uses the imagery of a wave to convey the sudden and overwhelming nature of the emotion.

What causes "a wave of anger"?

A "wave of anger" can be triggered by various factors such as injustice, betrayal, or loss. The specific cause depends on the individual and the situation.