a wave of controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and widespread public disagreement or debate about a particular issue or event. Example: "The new policy sparked a wave of controversy among community members, leading to heated discussions at town hall meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Moore arrived in Cannes by his traditional mode of transport - on a wave of controversy.

The Guardian - Film

The Jay report, published in August, unleashed a wave of controversy about what happened in Rotherham.

The Guardian

The article went viral, spreading across forums and news sites, and provoking a wave of controversy and condemnation.

The Guardian - Tech

But the decision touched off a wave of controversy, including pledges by most of the Republican candidates to boycott the Nevada caucuses.

The New York Times

Elle referred to her as a plus size model both in the interview and on Twitter, prompting a wave of controversy.

Independent

A wave of controversy erupted after Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev centre in Azerbaijan was awarded Design of the Year, despite the project being connected with human rights abuses.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The current academic year has been a difficult one, with a wave of controversies centered around the murky overlap of intellectualism, free speech, and popular — and unpopular — opinion, all within the confines of a publicly funded university system.

The New Yorker

Kalanick also later resigned after a wave of controversies made his position untenable.

TechCrunch

Silicon Valley as a whole is in the middle of a huge wave of controversy as stories of sexism within the startup ecosystem and at companies like Uber are becoming public.

TechCrunch

Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram described "a huge wave of controversy and confusion" as five people who protested against the decision were arrested at the weekend before being released on Monday.

The Guardian

It's causing a huge wave of controversy right now.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "uproar" or "public outcry" if you want to highlight the public's reaction more directly.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of controversy" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing the sentence to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of controversy" functions as a noun phrase that acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically describes a situation where widespread disagreement or debate emerges following an event or decision. Ludwig AI confirms this usage pattern.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wave of controversy" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a period of widespread public disagreement or debate. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively communicates the scale and intensity of the disagreement. Predominantly found in news and media sources, "a wave of controversy" serves to highlight significant points of contention. While versatile, writers should be mindful of overusing the phrase and explore synonyms like "uproar" or "firestorm of criticism" to maintain reader engagement. The examples found by Ludwig confirm the diverse range of situations where this phrase can be appropriately applied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uproar

Emphasizes the loud and public nature of the disagreement, focusing on the noise and disruption caused.

a firestorm of criticism

Highlights the intensity and potentially damaging nature of the criticism.

a storm of protest

Focuses on the active opposition and public demonstrations against something.

a public outcry

Stresses the widespread public expression of disapproval or anger.

a furor

Indicates a state of intense excitement or disturbance.

a period of contention

Highlights the disagreement and dispute over a longer duration.

a heated debate

Emphasizes the intensity and passionate arguments involved in the discussion.

a contentious situation

Indicates a situation marked by disagreement and argument.

a flurry of disapproval

Highlights the rapid and widespread expression of disapproval.

a maelstrom of disagreement

Emphasizes the chaotic and turbulent nature of the disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of controversy" to describe a situation where a particular event or decision causes widespread public disagreement and debate. For example, "The company's new policy sparked "a wave of controversy" among employees".

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

You can use alternatives like "an uproar", "a firestorm of criticism", or "a public outcry" depending on the specific context.

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

While both phrases indicate intense disagreement, "a wave of controversy" suggests a broader, more widespread phenomenon, whereas "a storm of controversy" implies a more turbulent and chaotic situation.

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

Yes, "a wave of controversy" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports or academic analyses. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall purpose of the writing.