fourth wave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fourth wave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing trends, movements, or phases, often in relation to social, technological, or scientific developments. Example: "The fourth wave of feminism has brought new perspectives on gender equality and social justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's started this fourth wave of feminism.

The Guardian - Film

Maybe we're onto the fourth wave now.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe the fourth wave is online.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are on the fourth wave apparently.

The Guardian - Opinion

Welcome to the fourth wave of feminism.

The Guardian

Hopefully adding a fourth wave will reduce this congestion.

The New York Times

"Optogenetics is the fourth wave," Koch told me.

The New Yorker

A fourth wave, however, threatens to outrank even the monarch's.

The Guardian - Opinion

For this fourth wave of feminism crashes against something prosaic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let's just not call them the fourth wave.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fourth wave is firing imaginations: mine anyway.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fourth wave", ensure the context is clear by specifying the subject (e.g., "fourth wave of feminism", "fourth wave of computing"). This prevents ambiguity and enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "fourth wave" when a simple ordinal reference (e.g., "fourth phase", "fourth stage") would suffice. Overusing "wave" can make writing sound repetitive or less precise. Choose a term that best fits the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fourth wave" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It signifies a specific period or stage in a series of developments, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples regarding feminism, computing, and immigration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

49%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fourth wave" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, primarily used to denote a current stage in an ongoing series of developments. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, its neutrality allows for wide applicability, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, writers should be mindful of clarity and context to avoid ambiguity, as highlighted in writing guidance. Ludwig provides various examples that showcase its versatility, ranging from feminism to technology, making it a crucial term for understanding contemporary trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

next phase

Replaces "wave" with a more general term for a stage in a process.

latest iteration

Implies a more refined version or stage, especially in technological contexts.

current trend

Focuses on the contemporary nature of the movement or development.

modern movement

Highlights the contemporary aspect and its nature as a collective action.

emerging cycle

Suggests a recurring pattern with a new phase beginning.

successive development

Emphasizes the sequential and progressive nature of the wave.

present upsurge

Focuses on the increasing intensity or visibility of the phenomenon.

new chapter

Suggests a fresh start or a significant change in direction.

advanced stage

Emphasizes the progress and maturity of the current wave.

present-day surge

Combines the ideas of current timing and a sudden increase in activity or influence.

FAQs

What does the term "fourth wave" generally refer to?

The term "fourth wave" typically refers to a stage or period in a larger trend or movement, such as the "fourth wave of feminism" or a technological advancement. It implies a progression and evolution from previous stages.

How can I use "fourth wave" in a sentence?

You can use "fourth wave" to describe a current development or trend, for example: "The "fourth wave of technology" is characterized by artificial intelligence and automation".

What's the difference between "third wave" and "fourth wave"?

The "third wave" and "fourth wave" refer to different stages in a development. The "fourth wave" signifies a more recent and evolved phase compared to the "third wave". Each wave is often characterized by distinct features and advancements.

Are there alternatives to using the term "fourth wave"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "next phase", "latest iteration", or "modern movement" to describe a similar concept.