a wave of opposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of opposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and large increase in resistance or dissent against something, such as a policy or decision. Example: "The new law faced a wave of opposition from various community groups who felt it would negatively impact their neighborhoods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Banerjee rose to power on a wave of opposition to the Communist Party's seizure of farmland for industrial projects, which united its enemies against it.

The New York Times

And the proposals have sparked a wave of opposition from sellers of other forms of alcohol, who are reluctant to give producers of hard liquor a competitive edge.

The Washington Post

A wave of opposition has crashed over the House's Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Senate's Protect I.P. Act (PIPA) based on the tremendous threat they pose to free speech and innovation online.

Stanford University

Does the government's apparent disavowal of the report's findings signal that the tide is turning, or is Theresa May just preparing the flood defences against a wave of opposition?

The Guardian

Ken Benning opened the country's first caviar farm in Devon two years ago and supplies Michelin-starred restaurants in Britain, but his planning application for a further sturgeon farm at East Chiltington has been greeted with a wave of opposition.

The Guardian

The leader of popular protests in Zimbabwe has been charged with inciting public disorder as authorities move to break up a wave of opposition in the unstable southern African state.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But when school officials took some token steps, they faced a wave of white opposition.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ahmad Abu Risha, the head of the Awakening Council in Anbar Province, a group of tribal leaders that started a wave of popular opposition to fighters linked to Al Qaeda, condemned the move.

The New York Times

Schumer and Democrats are eager to move quickly because they believe they have a rare opportunity to ride a wave of GOP opposition to Trump's moves.

The Washington Post

Coming months after the Fukushima Daiichi meltdown in Japan, the event prompted a wave of public opposition and set off a legal and regulatory battle that included Southern California Edison, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which manufactured the parts that leaked.

The New York Times

But the advent of multiracial democracy in the Southern states inspired a wave of terrorist opposition by the Ku Klux Klan and kindred groups, antecedents of the Klansmen and neo-Nazis who marched in Charlottesville.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of opposition" to describe situations where resistance is widespread and growing rapidly.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of opposition" to describe isolated incidents or minor disagreements. This phrase implies a significant and widespread resistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of opposition" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a substantial and widespread expression of disagreement or resistance. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in conveying the intensity and scope of dissent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wave of opposition" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a widespread and often sudden surge of resistance or dissent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. The phrase is versatile, fitting comfortably in news reports, academic papers, and formal analyses, making it a valuable tool for expressing collective disagreement. When using this phrase, ensure the scale of resistance warrants its use, and consider related phrases like "a surge of resistance" or "a tide of dissent" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of resistance

Emphasizes the forceful and sudden increase in resistance.

a tide of dissent

Implies a gradual and overwhelming increase in disagreement.

a groundswell of disapproval

Highlights the organic and widespread nature of the disapproval.

a storm of protest

Suggests a more turbulent and vocal expression of opposition.

a chorus of objections

Focuses on the collective and harmonious nature of the disapproval.

widespread resistance

Directly states the extensive nature of the resistance.

mass disapproval

Highlights the sheer number of people who disapprove.

strong opposition

Indicates the intensity of the resistance.

public outcry

Focuses on the loud and public expression of opposition.

mounting resistance

Suggests a gradual but continuous increase in resistance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of opposition" to describe a situation where there's a surge of disagreement or resistance against something. For example, "The proposed policy change met "a wave of opposition" from the community".

What are some alternatives to "a wave of opposition"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a surge of resistance", "a tide of dissent", or "a groundswell of disapproval", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a wave of opposition" or "strong opposition"?

"A wave of opposition" suggests a broad, sweeping reaction, while "strong opposition" simply indicates the intensity of disagreement. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the scale or the intensity of the resistance.

What's the difference between "a wave of opposition" and "a wave of protest"?

"A wave of opposition" is a general term for widespread disagreement or resistance. "A wave of protest" specifically refers to public demonstrations or expressions of disapproval.