a wave of mud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of mud" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming influx of mud, often in a literal sense, such as during a landslide or flood, or metaphorically to indicate a situation that is messy or chaotic. Example: "After the heavy rain, the river overflowed, and a wave of mud swept through the village, causing significant damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A wave of mud slid from the nearby mountainside and buried everything just 150ft (50m) from her house.

Independent

When this temporary dam then burst under the weight of water, it sent a wave of mud, rock and tree trunks down into the city.

The Guardian

A pickup just north of the overturned U-Haul began to float off, sustained on a wave of mud as if it were a dinghy drifting away on the tide.

The New Yorker

Two years ago, on Oct. 25, 2011, a torrential rainfall hit the Cinque Terre, drenching the olive groves, vineyards and lemon orchards, flooding the streams, shattering the tracery of stone walls that support the terraces and sending a wave of mud and rubble into the two northernmost villages, Monterosso and Vernazza.

The New York Times - Travel

Mauricio Martínez, a taxi driver, lost his wife, Lolita; their 14-year-old son, Benjamín; and his wife's two nieces, Emilia, 9, and Gabriela, 6; after a wave of mud cascaded from a hillside onto the family's home in San Martín, a suburb of San Salvador.

The New York Times

The former reached the city of Merano located 25 km downstream, causing 400 casualties, with a wave of mud and debris, while the latter did not result in fatalities or injuries because it occurred in the middle of the night in a rural area with no inhabitants, despite significant property and infrastructure losses.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

On October 30th, the lake formed in the cone burst through the mountain's side, sending a wave of water, mud, rocks and trees crashing down on four villages, burying everything in its path.

The Economist

A resident with a home video camera captured a mudslide that pushed down Mount Wumyeon, which is popular among hikers, engulfing a road and tossing cars like toys in a furious wave of mud, water and gravel.

The New York Times

Four people were killed, about 120 were injured and three are still missing after a dam holding waste slurry collapsed at an alumina works in the south-west of the country, sending a wave of poisonous red mud racing through nearby villages and into a tributary of the River Danube.

Independent

Six people were killed when the tidal wave of mud from Hungary's worst ever chemical accident hit Kolontar soon after midday on Monday.

BBC

Bottlenose dolphins, for example, strand on mudflats as a way of hunting, using their bodies to make a wave of water that drives fish onto the mud, where the dolphins can easily feed on them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a wave of mud", consider the impact and scale you want to convey. This phrase is particularly effective when describing natural disasters or sudden, overwhelming events.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of mud" metaphorically unless the situation truly involves a chaotic or overwhelming element. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of mud" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing a sudden, overwhelming influx of mud.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wave of mud" is a grammatically sound and evocative way to describe a sudden and forceful flow of mud, often associated with natural disasters. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While not extremely common, it's widely understood and appropriate for both news and scientific contexts. Alternatives like "a mudslide" or "a surge of mud" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of overuse in metaphorical contexts to maintain its descriptive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mudslide

A more concise term that specifically describes a mass of mud sliding down a slope.

a surge of mud

Emphasizes the sudden and powerful forward movement of mud.

a flow of mud

Highlights the continuous movement of mud, similar to a liquid.

a torrent of mud

Implies a fast and uncontrolled flow of mud.

a landslide of mud

Highlights the sudden collapse and movement of a mass of mud.

an avalanche of mud

Suggests a large and destructive descent of mud, similar to snow.

a cascade of mud

Describes mud falling or flowing in stages, like a waterfall.

a river of mud

Compares the movement of mud to that of a river, emphasizing its flow.

a deluge of mud

Indicates a heavy and overwhelming amount of mud.

a mud flow

A more technical term for the movement of mud, often used in geological contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of mud" to describe a sudden and overwhelming flow of mud, typically caused by heavy rain or landslides. For example, "The village was destroyed by "a wave of mud" after the dam burst."

What is the difference between "a mudslide" and "a wave of mud"?

"A mudslide" is a general term for a mass of mud sliding down a slope. "A wave of mud", on the other hand, implies a more fluid, surging motion, similar to a water wave. The former describes the event in general while the latter highlights a type of flow.

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a surge of mud", "a mudslide", or "a flow of mud".

Is "a wave of mud" a formal or informal expression?

"A wave of mud" is a relatively neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, its impact is most pronounced in descriptive or narrative writing where the imagery of a "wave" adds to the scene.