a wave of strikes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of strikes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and large number of strikes occurring in a particular context, such as labor disputes or protests. Example: "The city experienced a wave of strikes that disrupted public transportation and essential services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both led a wave of strikes in 1980.

The New York Times - Magazine

The unions are promising a wave of strikes during June.

The Guardian

Vietnam, supposedly the new mecca of manufacturing, had a wave of strikes in 2011-12.

The Economist

In 1973 Britain's government faced a wave of strikes and an economy wracked by inflation.

The Economist

Still, during 2011 it has suffered a wave of strikes in its factories.

The Economist

Brazil has also been hit by a wave of strikes in recent weeks.

The Guardian

Last year also saw a wave of strikes hit retail giant Walmart.

The Guardian

Last year a wave of strikes led to bloodshed and widespread disruption.

The Guardian - Business

There have been further protests in recent weeks.Guangdong province also saw a wave of strikes in 2010.

The Economist

But faced with a wave of strikes and protests, some of them violent, he has undergone a disconcertingly sudden transformation.

The Economist

It has been provoked by a leadership struggle within the A.N.C. and a wave of strikes by mine workers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a wave of strikes", ensure the context clearly indicates that the strikes are numerous and occurring within a relatively short period. This creates a sense of momentum and widespread disruption.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of strikes" repetitively in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "series of labor actions" or "surge of industrial unrest" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of strikes" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It describes a period characterized by numerous and often simultaneous strike actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of strikes" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe a period marked by numerous labor strikes. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness across different contexts. Predominantly found in news and encyclopedic sources, the phrase serves to highlight widespread labor unrest and potential disruption. While its register is neutral, writers should vary their language and be mindful of overuse. Alternatives like "a surge of strikes" or "mass labor disruptions" can provide similar meaning while enriching the text. The phrase is a powerful descriptor, emphasizing the scale and intensity of collective labor action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of labor actions

Replaces the figurative "wave" with the more literal "series", focusing on sequential events.

a surge of industrial unrest

Substitutes "strikes" with the broader "industrial unrest", encompassing various forms of labor agitation.

a period of heightened labor activity

Replaces "wave of strikes" with a more general description of increased labor-related actions.

a widespread work stoppage

Focuses on the action of stopping work, highlighting the collective nature of the strikes.

a rash of walkouts

Uses "rash" to convey a sudden and perhaps unexpected outbreak of strikes.

mass labor disruptions

Emphasizes the disruptive impact of the strikes on a larger scale.

extensive industrial action

Highlights the extensiveness or reach of the labor actions.

a coordinated labor movement

Focuses on the organized nature of the strikes, implying a deliberate effort.

an eruption of labor disputes

Suggests a sudden and forceful outbreak of labor-related conflicts.

a rising tide of labor activism

Employs the "rising tide" metaphor to depict a growing wave of labor-related activities and demands.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of strikes" to describe a period when many strikes occur, such as: "The country experienced "a wave of strikes" due to the government's austerity measures."

What's the difference between "a wave of strikes" and "a series of strikes"?

While both describe multiple strikes, "a wave of strikes" implies a more sudden and widespread occurrence, while "a series of strikes" (/s/a+series+of+strikes) suggests a more sequential and potentially less intense pattern.

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

You can use alternatives like "a surge of strikes", "mass labor disruptions", or "extensive industrial action" depending on the specific context.

Is "a wave of strikes" formal or informal language?

"A wave of strikes" is considered neutral and appropriate for both news reports and academic writing. However, more formal alternatives such as "extensive industrial action" may be preferred in certain business contexts.