a wave of irritation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of irritation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of annoyance or displeasure that one experiences in a particular situation. Example: "As the meeting dragged on with no clear agenda, a wave of irritation washed over the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I felt a wave of irritation.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A wave of paternal tenderness came over me as I watched her, followed by a tense irritation as she started dropping the tiny and doubtless irreplaceable components on the ground.

The Guardian - Travel

A result was a wave of refugees.

The New York Times

A wave of guilt washed over me.

The New York Times

A wave of laudatory headlines follows.

The Economist

They unleashed a wave of social mobility.

The Economist

Both rode a wave of fiscal conservativism.

The New York Times

A wave of bank failures broke late in 1930.

The Economist

The result was a wave of foreclosures.

The New York Times

A wave of relief swept over us.

The New Yorker

In Paris a wave of executions followed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of irritation" to vividly describe a sudden, overwhelming feeling of annoyance. This phrase is best suited for situations where the irritation is intense and noticeable.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of irritation" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact. Consider using alternatives like "a surge of annoyance" or "a feeling of displeasure" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of irritation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes a sudden, overwhelming feeling. For example, in the provided examples, it describes the emotional response to specific situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of irritation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a sudden and intense feeling of annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and conveys a vivid sense of overwhelming displeasure. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, considering alternatives like "a surge of annoyance" or "a hint of irritation" to maintain variety and precision in your writing. The sources considered are authoritative, and the phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of irritation

Replaces "wave" with "surge", emphasizing a more sudden and intense onset of irritation.

a flood of irritation

Similar to "wave" but with a connotation of being overwhelmed by the feeling.

a feeling of irritation

Substitutes "wave" with the more general "feeling", indicating a less intense or overwhelming experience.

a hint of irritation

Reduces the intensity to a subtle indication of annoyance rather than a full-blown wave.

a flash of irritation

Emphasizes the sudden and momentary nature of the irritation.

a burst of irritation

Implies a sudden, brief, and contained expression of irritation.

a moment of irritation

Focuses on the brief duration of the feeling of irritation.

a tinge of irritation

Indicates a slight or barely noticeable level of annoyance.

a rising sense of irritation

Suggests that the irritation is gradually increasing over time.

an undercurrent of irritation

Implies a subtle and persistent feeling of annoyance beneath the surface.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of irritation" to describe a sudden and intense feeling of annoyance, as in "A wave of irritation washed over her as the meeting dragged on".

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

You can use alternatives like "a surge of annoyance", "a flash of irritation", or "a hint of irritation", depending on the intensity you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a wave of annoyance" instead of "a wave of irritation"?

Yes, "a wave of annoyance" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. Both phrases convey a similar meaning, with "annoyance" being a slightly milder term than "irritation".

What's the difference between "a wave of irritation" and "a feeling of irritation"?

"A wave of irritation" implies a sudden and overwhelming sensation, while "a feeling of irritation" is a more general and less intense expression of annoyance.