a wave of change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or sweeping transformation in a particular area, such as society, technology, or culture. Example: "The introduction of renewable energy sources has sparked a wave of change in the way we approach environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Those little things, he concedes, have helped bring about a wave of change in private ferry service.

The New York Times

A wave of change is coursing through the French city of Nantes, bringing cool new eateries, hotels and culture.

The New York Times

This is the price of being the world's most powerful nation, particularly as a wave of change washes over the Arab World.

The Guardian

"There's going to be a rising that begins right here in Iowa," he says, "and it's going to spread across America, and it will be a wave of change that cannot be stopped".

The New York Times

But ultimately Reston's genteel journalism collided with a wave of change that swept into Washington in the time of Vietnam and Watergate, transforming a distinctly cozy governing town into a swirl of cynicism and rancor.

The New York Times - Books

Instead of feeling helpless, you feel positive and think 'Well, I made a difference last weekend, sealing up that draughty room.' There is a wave of change building and people doing things slowly influences governments and companies too.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

A dose of the psychedelic substance – injected rather than dropped – unleashed a wave of changes that altered activity and connectivity across the brain.

The Guardian

The troubled auto industry is at the front end of a wave of changes driven by President Obama's determination to put the United States on a fossil fuel diet.

The New York Times

Praise for his announcement came from India's corporations and some of its 175 million farmers, who see the move as part of a wave of changes that might help jolt a slowing economy.

The New York Times

Douglas A. Shackelford, an economist who has examined the 2003 legislation that lowered the tax rates on capital gains and dividends, said that when those changes were being put in place "people thought this would be revolutionary," setting off a wave of changes in the way companies rewarded their investors, and how investors evaluated companies.

The New York Times

Still, the school's choice is part of a wave of changes being made among institutions responsible for distributing information.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of change" to emphasize the widespread and impactful nature of a transformation. It's more evocative than simply stating 'change'.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of change" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language to prevent the metaphor from becoming cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of change" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig show it describing shifts across diverse sectors from politics to technology.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wave of change" is a grammatically sound and evocative expression used to describe significant and far-reaching transformations. As validated by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the scope and momentum of alterations across various domains. While it is most commonly found in news and media, its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "sweeping transformation" or "significant shift" to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sea change

Emphasizes a dramatic and fundamental shift in perspective or conditions.

a sweeping transformation

Emphasizes the broad and comprehensive nature of the change.

a period of transformation

Focuses on the transformative aspect over the speed or force.

a revolutionary change

Implies a radical and fundamental alteration.

a significant shift

Highlights the importance and impact of the alteration.

a major overhaul

Suggests a more structural and comprehensive reform.

a shift in the paradigm

Highlights a change in the fundamental assumptions or underlying theory.

a new era

Focuses on the beginning of a new period with distinct characteristics.

a turn of events

Highlights an alteration in the course of happenings or circumstances.

an evolving landscape

Highlights the developing or unfolding changes in a given context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of change" to describe significant shifts or transformations in various contexts. For example, "The new policy brought "a wave of change" to the company's culture."

What are some alternatives to "a wave of change"?

Alternatives to "a wave of change" include "a sweeping transformation", "a significant shift", or "a sea change", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a wave of changes" instead of "a wave of change"?

While "a wave of changes" is grammatically acceptable, ""a wave of change"" is generally preferred when referring to a singular, overarching transformation. "A wave of changes" might be used when referring to multiple, distinct alterations.

What does "a wave of change" imply?

"A wave of change" implies a powerful and widespread transformation, suggesting that the change is not isolated but rather affects a large area or group. It often carries a connotation of inevitability and momentum.