a wave of consternation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of consternation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of anxiety or dismay among a group of people. Example: "When the news broke about the unexpected layoffs, there was a wave of consternation among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The statement caused such a wave of consternation at the meeting, and within the wider party, that Marine, 44, was obliged to send out a reassuring tweet.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The so-called roadless rule, fought over in court from the start, was validated last year by a federal appeals panel, setting off a wave of euphoria among supporters and consternation among critics.

The New York Times

The wave of consternation and criticism that crashed into Michael Gove following the February draft threatened to sweep away the whole new curriculum project and it seems he listened or was forced to concede, depending on your point of view.

The Guardian

At residential colleges, rape occurs within a discrete institutional context, and it's within this context ("Planet College") that the media-savvy feminists exemplified by Sulkowicz have sparked a wave of activism that continues to generate administrative and social consternation.

The New Yorker

Some appear to be threatening to cut back lending, much to the consternation of politicians who fear that this could spark a wave of corporate bankruptcies in their constituencies.Mr Aizawa wants the government to postpone lifting its guarantee on deposits indefinitely.

The Economist

A wave of human agents?

Forbes

Ali Mangera is in a state of consternation.

The Guardian - Arts

It causes a lot of consternation and drama in Washington.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There's a lot of consternation here," he said.

The New York Times

Still, the timing is a cause of consternation to some.

The Washington Post

The novel, published in 1960, caused a bit of consternation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of consternation" when you want to describe a sudden, shared feeling of worry, anxiety, or dismay experienced by a group, typically in response to unexpected or unwelcome news.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of consternation" for individual feelings of mild unease. This phrase is best suited for describing a collective, strong reaction of anxiety or alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of consternation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a sudden and widespread feeling of anxiety, dismay, or worry. It is used to characterize a collective emotional response to an event or situation. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of consternation" is a noun phrase used to describe a sudden and widespread feeling of anxiety or dismay. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and mostly found in news and media contexts. While not extremely common, it's suitable for formal writing when you need to convey a strong, collective negative reaction. Remember to use it to describe significant feelings, not mild unease, and consider alternatives like ""a surge of alarm"" or ""a flood of anxiety"" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wave of dismay

Focuses on the feeling of disappointment and discouragement caused by something unexpected.

a surge of alarm

Focuses on the sudden increase in fear or apprehension, emphasizing the feeling of being threatened.

a flood of anxiety

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the anxiety experienced.

a ripple of unease

Suggests a milder, more subtle feeling of discomfort or anxiety spreading through a group.

a burst of anxiety

Highlights the quick and brief feeling of anxiety.

a groundswell of concern

Highlights a growing sense of worry or apprehension among a larger population.

a tide of apprehension

Implies a gradual increase in anxiety or fear about something that is about to happen.

a shockwave of disbelief

Highlights the surprise and incredulity felt in response to something unexpected or shocking.

a stir of apprehension

Similar to ripple of unease but suggest a bigger anxiety.

an outcry of concern

Implies a public expression of worry or fear about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of consternation" to describe a widespread feeling of anxiety or dismay. For example, "The announcement of the new policy was met with "a wave of consternation" among the employees."

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

Alternatives include "a surge of alarm", "a flood of anxiety", or "a ripple of unease", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a wave of consternation" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a significant and noticeable reaction in a professional or public context.

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

"A wave of consternation" describes a sudden, collective reaction, while "a state of consternation" refers to an ongoing condition of anxiety or dismay, often affecting an individual or a group over a period of time.