in a spate of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a spate of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe a sudden burst or rush of something. For example, "In a spate of generous donations, the charity raised over $100,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Teenagers flashing knives in a spate of high school stabbings.

The New York Times

If completed, a merger would be the latest in a spate of utility deals.

The New York Times

The announcement is the latest in a spate of recent bad news from European banks.

The New York Times

Then, in a spate of deal making, Mr. Botín went from one takeover to the next.

The New York Times

On Monday, two foreign workers were killed in a spate of bombings in the capital, Manama.

The New York Times

First, Apple was implicated in a spate of suicides at Foxconn's largest factory at Shenzhen.

The Guardian - Tech

The shooting is the latest in a spate of mass killings.

The New York Times

Goldman in recent weeks participated in a spate of unsolicited offers for British companies.

The New York Times

But as the latest in a spate of terror attacks, the bombing hardened hearts.

The New York Times

"Teach, Teacher, Teachest" is the latest in a spate of re-envisioned Ionesco plays.

The New York Times

Constantine is the most recent in a spate of comic book shows.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a spate of" to describe a cluster of similar, often negative, events occurring in close succession. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the unexpected or problematic nature of these events.

Common error

Avoid using "in a spate of" to describe a single event. The phrase implies multiple occurrences within a short period; using it for a solitary incident weakens its impact and can sound incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a spate of" functions as a prepositional modifier, adding detail to nouns or noun phrases. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces the idea of a sudden, often unwelcome, series of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a spate of" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a sudden, concentrated series of events, often negative, with the primary context being News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While it is grammatically sound and frequently employed, remember to use it when describing multiple occurrences and avoid singular instances. Alternatives like "in a series of" or "in a flurry of" can provide similar meanings with slight shifts in emphasis. Proper use ensures clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a surge of

Focuses on a rising swell or increase.

in a wave of

Suggests a sweeping or overwhelming movement.

in a series of

Highlights a sequence or order of events.

in a flurry of

Implies rapid and often chaotic activity.

in a rash of

Indicates a sudden and unwelcome outbreak.

in a burst of

Emphasizes suddenness and intensity.

in a stream of

Conveys a continuous flow or succession.

in a succession of

Highlights the sequential nature of the events.

in a chain of

Implies a connected sequence of events, often with a cause-and-effect relationship.

in a cluster of

Implies that events are closely grouped together.

FAQs

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

Use "in a spate of" to describe several similar events occurring closely together. For example, "The city experienced "in a spate of" burglaries last month".

What's a good alternative to "in a spate of"?

Alternatives include "in a series of", "in a flurry of", or "in a wave of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "in a spate of" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports or analytical articles where you need to describe a cluster of events. It maintains a neutral and professional tone.

What kind of events does "in a spate of" typically describe?

"In a spate of" usually describes negative or problematic events such as crimes, accidents, or economic downturns, emphasizing their sudden and closely spaced occurrence.