a wave of protest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of protest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, sudden increase in public dissent or opposition to something, often in a social or political context. Example: "The government faced a wave of protest after announcing the controversial new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The TWCable TV app, released just over a year ago, set off a wave of protest from media companies — including Viacom, Scripps Networks, Fox Cable Networks and Discovery Communications — which said the cable company did not have legal rights to stream shows via its own app.

The New York Times

However, the legislation met with a wave of protest and was never strictly implemented.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The anti-Magnitsky law continues policies adopted by the Kremlin after a wave of protest a year ago.However, the orphan amendment is harder to comprehend.

The Economist

This strike was part of a wave of protest in several cities as inflation eroded the real wages of black workers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 2010, a team broadcaster's passing mention of him as "the greatest Laker" prompted a wave of protest in favor of Magic Johnson or West.

The New York Times - Sports

Last week the Student Assembly Against Austerity organised a day of action which saw a wave of protest on more than 25 campuses.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

His acquittal sparked a wave of protests in the town.

Independent

A wave of protests struck Algeria, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan.

The New York Times

The comments were removed after a wave of protests on social media.

Independent

In January, Twitter was briefly blocked in Egypt, after a wave of protests.

The New York Times

He died on 19 April, prompting a wave of protests over police brutality.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wave of protest," consider if a more specific term might be appropriate, such as "demonstrations," "strikes," or "civil disobedience," depending on the nature of the protest.

Common error

While "a wave of protest" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "outcry", "opposition", or more descriptive terms based on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of protest" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant and widespread expression of public dissent. Ludwig AI validates this usage, providing numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of protest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to depict a significant surge in public opposition. As validated by Ludwig AI and its numerous examples, this noun phrase effectively communicates the scale and intensity of dissent across various contexts, especially within News & Media. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "outcry" or "opposition" for enhanced clarity. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a groundswell of protest

Emphasizes the organic and widespread nature of the protest, suggesting it arises from the general population.

a wave of outcry

Focuses on the vocal and often emotional expression of protest.

a flood of protest

Highlights the overwhelming and abundant nature of the protest.

a wave of opposition

Indicates a broad and collective resistance to something.

a storm of protest

Emphasizes the intensity and turbulence of the protest.

a surge of discontent

Highlights the rising level of unhappiness and dissatisfaction.

mass demonstrations

Refers to organized public gatherings expressing protest.

widespread dissent

Indicates a general disagreement or disapproval.

public uprising

Suggests a more forceful and potentially violent form of protest.

organized resistance

Emphasizes the planned and structured nature of the protest.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of protest" to describe a situation where there is a sudden and widespread expression of public disapproval or opposition. For example: "The new policy was met with "a wave of protest"."

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

You can use alternatives like "a groundswell of protest", "a wave of outcry", or "a flood of protest" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a wave of protests" instead of "a wave of protest"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A wave of protest" refers to a general surge of opposition, while "a wave of protests" implies multiple distinct instances of protesting.

What distinguishes "a wave of protest" from "organized resistance"?

"A wave of protest" typically describes a spontaneous or widespread surge in opposition, while "organized resistance" implies a more structured and planned effort to oppose something.