ground swells

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ground swells" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a gradual increase in intensity or support for a particular idea, movement, or trend, often in a social or political context. Example: "As the community became more aware of the environmental issues, ground swells of support for the new policy began to emerge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Subsequently several social ground swells converged to blur the distinctions.

The New York Times

The ground swells and earth tremors increase in size and number as fresh magma fights its way towards the surface.

The Guardian

Using satellite radar, researchers determined that the ground swells as rainwater fills aquifers below.

Science Magazine

"There is magic in the combination of you and the wave and nothing else". Probably no more than 40 people bodysurf the Wedge, and only half that number brave the water from May through October, when storms in the Southern Hemisphere churn up the powerful ground swells that make this place famous.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"The whole movement is a ground swell".

The New York Times

And there was a ground swell of activism.

University of California, Berkeley

"Guilty Pleasures" gambles on locating a nostalgic ground swell.

The New York Times

Advocates have not detected a ground swell of parental involvement.

The New York Times - Arts

There was a ground swell of applause that just kept building after it was unveiled.

The New York Times

Out in the streets there has been a ground swell of support for the campaign.

The New York Times

"I haven't noticed a ground swell, but I have noticed quite a bit of interest".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ground swells", ensure the context clearly indicates a gradual increase or build-up, whether in public opinion, geological activity, or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "ground swells" to describe sudden or immediate changes. The phrase implies a slow and progressive development, not an abrupt shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ground swells" primarily functions as a noun, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes gradual increases or accumulating forces, similar to the examples provided by Ludwig, such as in the context of social changes or geological phenomena.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science & Research

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ground swells" is a noun phrase used to describe gradual increases or underlying forces, commonly found in news, science, and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct, although its usage is relatively rare. It's important to use this phrase when referring to gradual rather than sudden changes. Alternatives include "growing support" or "increasing momentum", depending on the context. Although less frequent than other similar phrases, when used correctly, it conveys a sense of slowly accumulating force or intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing support

Highlights increasing approval or endorsement.

growing movement

Emphasizes the increasing number of people involved or supporting an idea.

increasing momentum

Highlights the accelerating pace of a development or change.

rising tide

Suggests an overwhelming and unstoppable force or trend.

gradual increase

Focuses on the step-by-step nature of the growth.

underlying trend

Points to a fundamental pattern or direction.

gathering force

Indicates a gradual accumulation of power or influence.

developing wave

Emphasizes the formative stages of a phenomenon.

building surge

Implies a sudden and powerful increase.

incipient trend

Highlights a trend that is only just beginning to emerge.

FAQs

How can I use "ground swells" in a sentence?

You can use "ground swells" to describe a gradual increase in support, intensity, or activity. For example: "There were "ground swells" of public support for the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "ground swells"?

Alternatives include "growing support", "increasing momentum", or "rising tide", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ground swells" singular or plural?

"Ground swells" is the plural form. The singular form is "ground swell".

In what contexts is "ground swells" typically used?

It's often used in political, social, or geological contexts to describe gradual changes or increases. Examples can include political movements or seismic activity.