a wave of heat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of heat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and intense increase in temperature, often in a figurative or literal sense. Example: "As the sun rose higher in the sky, a wave of heat enveloped the desert landscape, making it almost unbearable to be outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

There's a wave of heat".

The New York Times

A wave of heat surged up inside me, as though my chest were filling with blood.

The New Yorker

"What I felt," he said, "was a wave of heat rush over me".

The New York Times

When Schreiber turned around, he saw a flash of blue light and felt a wave of heat on his face.

The New Yorker

In Europe in 2003, a wave of heat caused a drought that ultimately cost over €8 billion.

The Guardian

A wave of heat trapped underneath the hotel portico collided with the thick black fumes and washed over me.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He was hit by a wave of unbearable heat, and fell to the floor.

The New Yorker

Then, briefly, comes a sensation of shrimpiness before the chili takes over with a wave of complex heat.

The New York Times - Food

Worse yet, a layer of grease had formed on the roasted bushes in front of them, and a wave of sparking heat rushed toward her, igniting crackling fires in the bushes.

The New York Times - Books

The explosion came as an intense light flash, a sudden wave of heat, and later a tremendous roar as the shock wave passed and echoed in the valley.

Britannica

On a recent weekday, a rare wave of heat slipped from her radiator into the three-bedroom apartment, but her children remained clustered around the three space heaters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a wave of heat" to vividly describe both literal temperature increases (like desert heat) and figurative sensations (like sudden anger or embarrassment).

Common error

While evocative, repeatedly using "a wave of heat" in close proximity can become monotonous. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "surge of warmth" or "blast of heat" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of heat" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific phenomenon: a sudden, intense burst or surge of thermal energy. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in both literal and figurative contexts, which aligns with the general acceptability confirmed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Books

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of heat" is a versatile and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe both literal and figurative sensations of intense heat. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, predominantly in News & Media. While the phrase is common, writing guidance suggests varying descriptive language to avoid redundancy. Alternative expressions include "a surge of heat" or "a rush of heat". Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, aiming to effectively evoke sensory experiences in readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of heat

Focuses on the abrupt increase in heat intensity.

a rush of heat

Emphasizes the speed and suddenness of the heat's arrival.

a blast of heat

Highlights the forceful nature of the heat.

a wash of heat

Suggests a spreading or enveloping sensation of heat.

a flare of heat

Implies a sudden and intense burst of heat.

a heat surge

Uses a more concise noun form to describe the event.

an upwelling of heat

Indicates heat rising from below or within.

a heat emanation

Highlights the source and radiation of the heat.

heat radiating outwards

Describes the heat spreading from a central point.

intense thermal sensation

Refers to a potent and immediate feeling of heat.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of heat" to describe a sudden increase in temperature, as in, "A wave of heat washed over the crowd as the sun emerged from behind the clouds" or to describe a sudden intense feeling, as in "A wave of heat surged through me when I realized my mistake."

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

You can use alternatives like "a surge of warmth", "a blast of heat", or "a rush of heat" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a wave of heat" to describe an emotional feeling?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. The phrase "a wave of heat" can be used metaphorically to describe a sudden, intense emotional feeling, such as anger, embarrassment, or excitement.

What is the difference between "a wave of heat" and "a heatwave"?

"A wave of heat" refers to a brief, intense burst of heat, whereas "a heatwave" describes a prolonged period of excessively hot weather.