a wave of support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large and sudden increase in support or encouragement for someone or something. Example: "After the announcement of the charity event, there was a wave of support from the community, with many people volunteering their time and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The immediate aftermath had seen a wave of support for the diminutive gymnast.

The Guardian - Sport

But she said it was unlikely to generate a wave of support for such a strategy.

The New York Times

The Maoists emerged on top, riding a wave of support from Nepal's largely feudal countryside.

Independent

The project received a wave of support online when it was first put forward for crowd-sourced funding.

Independent

Next came a wave of support for a civil commitment law that would keep such offenders locked up for longer periods.

The New York Times

Zaidi's act has generated a wave of support across the Arab world, with hundreds taking to the streets of Baghdad and other towns yesterday demanding his release.

The Guardian

Five years ago, Mr. Karzai rode to an election victory on a wave of support from his fellow Pashtuns, who make up about 40percentt of Afghanistan's population.

The New York Times

His decision to go public prompted a wave of support from teammates and fans, many taking to social media to praise the 6ft 4in Yorkshireman.

The Guardian - Sport

General Musharraf began his tenure as president with a wave of support from a public weary of a decade of weak and corrupt civilian government.

The New York Times

He predicts a wave of support in the north-east as Mr Modi orders roads, railways and power plants to be built.

The Economist

Payne, the world champion in 2009 and 2011, was unable to ride a wave of support along the course onto the podium.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of support" to describe a sudden increase in positive sentiment or backing, often in response to a specific event or action.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of support" to describe consistent, long-term backing. This phrase suggests a more immediate and reactive surge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of support" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing an increase in approval or endorsement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of support" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a sudden increase in approval or backing, as demonstrated by the many examples found in news and media sources according to Ludwig. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. While it conveys a clear meaning, alternative phrases such as "an outpouring of support" or "a surge of backing" can be used to add nuance or emphasis. When using "a wave of support", it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects a distinct increase in endorsement rather than simply consistent, ongoing support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an outpouring of support

Emphasizes a more emotional and effusive expression of support.

a surge of backing

Suggests a sudden and powerful increase in support.

a groundswell of approval

Implies a widespread and organic growth of positive sentiment.

a tide of solidarity

Highlights unity and shared purpose in providing support.

a flood of endorsements

Focuses on the number of formal approvals received.

a rush of advocacy

Highlights active promotion and defense of a cause or person.

a storm of encouragement

Emphasizes the intensity and enthusiasm of the support.

a groundswell of public opinion

Indicates growing support from the general public.

an upwelling of sentiment

Implies support rising from a deep emotional source.

a broad base of supporters

Indicates widespread backing from a diverse group of individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of support" to describe a sudden increase in positive sentiment or backing. For example, "The new policy received "a wave of support" after the announcement".

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

You can use alternatives like "an outpouring of support", "a surge of backing", or "a groundswell of approval" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a wave of support" in formal writing?

Yes, "a wave of support" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reporting and business contexts. However, consider alternatives like "an outpouring of support" for more emotional contexts.

What's the difference between "a wave of support" and "consistent support"?

"A wave of support" implies a sudden, noticeable increase in backing, while "consistent support" suggests steady, ongoing endorsement over time. For example, a politician might experience ""a wave of support"" after a successful debate, even if they have not had "consistent support" previously.