barrage of

USAGE SUMMARY

'barrage of' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe a large number of things that happen or are said, especially if this causes difficulty or confusion. For example, "The CEO faced a barrage of questions from the shareholders at the annual meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A barrage of bullets.

The New York Times

The barrage of insults continued.

The New York Times

A barrage of presidential trivia followed.

The New York Times

Grigson deflected a barrage of Manning questions.

The New York Times - Sports

The barrage of advertisements targets older men.

The New York Times

The barrage of shots never stopped.

The New York Times - Sports

He faced a daily barrage of criticism.

The New York Times - Sports

First, via a barrage of lawsuits.

Independent

Just a barrage of genitalia jokes.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a barrage of deep strikes.

The New York Times

The barrage of statements was not coincidental.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barrage of" to describe a situation where someone or something is subjected to a large number of actions, questions, or events in a short period. It effectively conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or bombarded.

Common error

Avoid using "barrage of" in extremely informal or casual conversations. While the phrase is widely understood, it carries a slightly formal tone that might sound out of place in very relaxed settings. Opt for simpler language in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barrage of" functions as a noun modifier, typically preceding another noun to describe a large and overwhelming quantity of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Social Media

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barrage of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, primarily found in news and media contexts. It effectively conveys an overwhelming quantity or intense burst of something, as noted by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings. Consider alternatives like ""torrent of"" or ""flood of"" for slight variations in meaning. Remember to avoid overuse in extremely informal situations to maintain appropriate tone and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

torrent of

This alternative emphasizes the overwhelming and continuous flow, like a river in flood.

deluge of

Similar to "torrent", but often used to describe a sudden and overwhelming influx.

flood of

Indicates a large quantity arriving rapidly and potentially causing difficulties.

hail of

Suggests a rapid and forceful delivery, often used in the context of criticism or projectiles.

onslaught of

Implies a fierce and sustained attack or rush of something.

flurry of

Describes a brief and often chaotic burst of activity or items.

succession of

Highlights the sequential nature of multiple events or items.

series of

Emphasizes a structured or planned sequence of events or items.

outpouring of

Often used to describe an emotional response or expression from a large group of people.

stream of

Suggests a continuous flow, but can imply a less forceful or overwhelming quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "barrage of" in a sentence?

Use "barrage of" to describe a large number of things, such as questions or criticisms, directed at someone or something. For example, "The politician faced a "barrage of" tough questions during the interview".

What are some alternatives to "barrage of"?

You can use alternatives like "torrent of", "flood of", or "onslaught of" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "barrage of" in formal writing?

Yes, "barrage of" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing situations involving intense or overwhelming quantities of something. It is commonly used in news reports and academic papers.

What is the difference between "barrage of" and "series of"?

"Barrage of" implies a sudden and overwhelming experience, while "series of" suggests a structured and sequential arrangement. For instance, a "barrage of questions" implies a rapid-fire interrogation, whereas a "series of questions" suggests a planned and organized inquiry.