a wave of violence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of violence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden increase or surge in violent acts or behavior in a particular area or context. Example: "The city has been struggling to cope with a wave of violence that has erupted in recent months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The attacks were the most recent in a wave of violence, aggravating deep-rooted sectarian tensions.

The New York Times

When nearly 80% of East Timorese voters chose independence, the militiamen unleashed a wave of violence.

The Economist

It came in a wave of violence that took the lives of 25 Israelis.

Independent

Last week four Serb policemen were killed, causing a wave of violence.

The New York Times

Like previous peace efforts here, this one has been greeted by a wave of violence.

The New York Times

General Zinni's first foray last year was met with a wave of violence.

The New York Times

The Millennium meant to bring with it a wave of violence from maniacal cultists.

The Guardian

In a flash, others jumped in, then a wave of violence engulfed the camp.

The New York Times

The dispute over Jerusalem's holiest site ignited a wave of violence this time last year.

The Guardian

The attack was the latest in a wave of violence that has hit Mosul recently.

The New York Times

meeting diminished after financial officials and many demonstrators condemned a wave of violence and vandalism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a wave of violence" to describe a sudden increase or surge in violent acts, especially when those acts are related or occur within a specific timeframe or location. For example, "The city experienced "a wave of violence" following the protests."

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of violence" to sensationalize minor incidents or isolated events. This phrase implies a broader, more widespread problem and its misuse can create undue alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of violence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to describe a sudden increase or surge in violent acts or behavior. For example, "The attacks were the latest in "a wave of violence"..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wave of violence" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a sudden increase or surge in violent acts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to characterize a period marked by significant escalation in violence. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral tone while conveying the seriousness of the situation. While alternatives like "an eruption of violence" or "a surge of violence" exist, "a wave of violence" is a reliable and widely understood way to describe such events. Remember to avoid sensationalizing minor incidents and consider the impact that using such a phrase could cause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an eruption of violence

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the violence.

a surge of violence

Highlights a sudden increase in the amount of violence.

an outbreak of violence

Suggests a sudden start and spread of violence, similar to a disease.

a burst of violence

Implies a short, intense period of violent activity.

a rise in violence

Indicates an upward trend in the occurrence of violent acts.

an escalation of violence

Highlights a gradual increase in the intensity or scale of violence.

a cycle of violence

Suggests a recurring pattern of violent acts.

a period of unrest

Describes a time marked by disturbance and violent behavior.

a reign of terror

Implies widespread violence used to instill fear and control.

increased aggression

Focuses on the heightened level of aggressive behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of violence" to describe a sudden increase or surge in violent acts in a particular area or context. For example: "The region has been grappling with "a wave of violence" since the political instability began."

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

You can use alternatives like "an eruption of violence", "a surge of violence", or "an outbreak of violence" to describe a similar situation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a wave of violence"?

It's appropriate to use "a wave of violence" when there is a noticeable and significant increase in violent incidents within a specific timeframe or location. It suggests a connected series of violent events, not isolated occurrences.

Is "a wave of violence" the same as "a spate of violence"?

While similar, "a wave of violence" implies a broader, more impactful surge, whereas "a spate of violence" often refers to a cluster of events in a shorter timeframe. They are largely interchangeable but the former is a bit more evocative.