a wave of emigration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of emigration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large movement of people leaving one country to settle in another, often due to various factors such as economic conditions or political instability. Example: "The country experienced a wave of emigration as citizens sought better opportunities abroad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

There was a wave of emigration after the Nazi takeover in the 1930s, and it was reported that emigrants above this age no longer mastered the language of their country of refuge.

Princeton University

This set off a wave of emigration.

The Economist

Nevertheless, abject poverty and overpopulation in rural areas fueled a wave of emigration to Germany and both North and South America (the so-called "Brazilian Rush").

Britannica

In the 20th century, Muslim opposition toward Zionist settlement in Palestine translated into increased hostility and violence toward the Jews of Aleppo, spurring a wave of emigration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nazi persecution of the Jews in the immediate prewar years and the impact of the war itself caused a wave of emigration, from Germany and Austria in particular, which brought fresh publishing talent to both Britain and the United States as well as to other countries, including Australia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Austerity measures also have contributed to record unemployment and a wave of emigration not seen since the 1960s.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

When the Soviet authorities permitted a wave of Jewish emigration, he and his wife, Lena Kashevsky, fled with their two children.

The New Yorker

From Calgary Mr Pereira says he is seeing a "second wave" of emigration that began a couple of years ago, of young professionals with five or six years' experience.

The Economist

Now it seems the country is on the verge of a new wave of emigration, with young college graduates at the forefront.

The New York Times

There are fears both in Cuba and in the United States that social instability after Castro's death could provoke a huge wave of emigration.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, Greece, plagued by an unattractive combination of fiscal problems, austerity and unemployment, has seen a new wave of emigration, notably to America and Canada.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a wave of emigration", consider specifying the cause of the emigration to provide context. For instance, "a wave of emigration due to economic hardship" is more informative than just "a wave of emigration".

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of emigration" as a generic descriptor for any population movement. Ensure the emigration is substantial and driven by common factors affecting a large group of people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of emigration" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a substantial movement of people out of a particular region. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wave of emigration" is a grammatically correct and usable term describing a substantial departure of people from a region, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the cause of emigration for clarity. While alternatives like "a mass exodus" or "a significant outflow of people" exist, "a wave of emigration" effectively conveys a large-scale demographic shift.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mass exodus

Focuses on the large scale and potentially chaotic nature of the emigration.

a significant outflow of people

Emphasizes the departure of individuals from a specific region or country, highlighting the movement itself.

a surge in emigration

Highlights the sudden increase in the rate of people leaving.

a migration crisis

Highlights a critical situation caused by the massive movement of people.

a brain drain

Specifically refers to the emigration of skilled or educated individuals.

population displacement

Focuses on the forced or involuntary movement of people due to conflict or disaster.

mass migration

A broader term for large-scale movement of people, not necessarily negative.

large-scale resettlement

Highlights the relocation and settlement of people in a new area.

flight of refugees

Refers specifically to people fleeing their home country due to war or persecution.

demographic shift

Focuses on the alteration of population structure and distribution.

FAQs

What does "a wave of emigration" mean?

The phrase "a wave of emigration" refers to a significant and widespread departure of people from a country or region, typically due to factors such as economic hardship, political instability, or persecution.

What are some causes that lead to "a wave of emigration"?

Common causes include economic crises, political oppression, war, famine, and natural disasters. These factors often compel large numbers of people to seek better opportunities or safety elsewhere.

How is "a wave of emigration" different from regular migration?

While migration can be individual and gradual, "a wave of emigration" implies a large, simultaneous movement driven by specific, often negative, conditions impacting a significant portion of the population.

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

You can use alternatives like "a mass exodus", "a significant outflow of people", or "a surge in emigration" depending on the specific context.