a wave of demonstrations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of demonstrations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of protests or public displays of opinion occurring simultaneously or in quick succession. Example: "In response to the government's new policy, there was a wave of demonstrations across the country, with citizens demanding change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Besigye was arrested a week ago after a wave of demonstrations erupted in Uganda, in which his supporters chanted slogans about how protests in Tunisia and Egypt had led to new governments.

The Guardian

Mr Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia a week ago, following a wave of demonstrations.

BBC

His death sparked a wave of demonstrations in New York.

The Guardian - Film

The scandal has prompted a wave of demonstrations.

The Guardian

In the last few months, a wave of demonstrations had subsided.

The New York Times

A wave of demonstrations across the country followed, forcing Prime Minister Robert Fico to resign.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He did not specify what those actions would be, but police used tear gas in an attempt to break up protests a week ago, leading to a wave of larger demonstrations.

The New York Times

He had survived an ugly scandal involving charges of racism that spurred a wave of student demonstrations.

The New York Times

For weeks, Syrian democracy activists have used Facebook and Twitter to promote a wave of bold demonstrations.

The Washington Post

But since then, it has dispatched tanks and snipers to put down a wave of peaceful demonstrations.

The Washington Post

A wave of popular demonstrations added momentum to liberalization during this "Prague Spring" until, on August 20, the U.S.S.R. led neighbouring Warsaw Pact armies in a military invasion of Czechoslovakia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wave of demonstrations", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause or trigger behind the protests to provide a complete picture.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of demonstrations" repeatedly in the same text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "surge of protests" or "series of rallies" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of demonstrations" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a series of public gatherings or protests, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wave of demonstrations" effectively describes a series of public protests, as validated by Ludwig. Grammatically sound and frequently used, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts. For variety, consider alternatives like "a series of protests" or "surge of demonstrations". When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly highlights the cause or trigger behind the demonstrations, as recommended. Avoiding overuse and providing sufficient detail will enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of protests

Focuses on the sequential nature of the events, emphasizing the occurrence of multiple protests.

a surge of demonstrations

Highlights the sudden increase and intensity of the protests.

a cascade of protests

Emphasizes the spreading and overwhelming nature of the demonstrations.

a string of protests

Implies a connected sequence of demonstrations, one after another.

a flurry of demonstrations

Suggests a brief but intense period of protest activity.

mass demonstrations

Emphasizes the large scale and participation in the demonstrations.

widespread protests

Indicates that the protests are occurring in many locations.

nationwide demonstrations

Specifies that the demonstrations are taking place across the entire country.

public unrest

Focuses on the broader social disturbance rather than specific protests.

civil disobedience

Highlights the act of intentionally breaking laws as a form of protest.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "a wave of demonstrations", provide context regarding the cause and location of the protests. For example, "The government's new economic policies led to "a wave of demonstrations" across the country".

What phrases can I use instead of "a wave of demonstrations"?

Alternatives to "a wave of demonstrations" include "a series of protests", "a surge of demonstrations", or "mass demonstrations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a wave of demonstrations" and "a wave of protests"?

While similar, "a wave of demonstrations" often implies organized public gatherings expressing dissent, whereas "a wave of protests" can encompass a broader range of actions, including strikes and boycotts.

When is it more appropriate to use "a wave of demonstrations" versus "isolated incidents"?

"A wave of demonstrations" is suitable when describing widespread, interconnected protests, while "isolated incidents" suggests unrelated and infrequent occurrences. If the events are connected and numerous, "a wave of demonstrations" is more accurate.