large waves

USAGE SUMMARY

"large waves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the size of a body of water, such as the ocean or a lake. For example, "We watched the spectacular sight of the large waves crashing against the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Large waves and some heavy rain is also predicted.

The Guardian

Several large waves went past the safety tape lines, washing away onlookers' bags and belongings.

The Guardian - Sport

It added: Strong winds, tidal surge and large waves may cause flooding at exposed locations.

The Guardian

Situated in the North Pacific, these low-lying atolls are exposed to large waves.

Nature

Alternating series of small and large waves compose the folds of the drapery.

Britannica

In deep seas with large waves, ships instead of barges are used to lay the pipe.

Britannica

Large waves are increasingly likely to batter parts of Hawaii as it passes.

The Washington Post

Aurelio said large waves of up to two metres (6.6ft) were expected to hit the area.

The Guardian

It also warned of large waves and debris being thrown on to coastal areas from beaches.

The Times

Almost all trace their origins to one of two large waves of immigration.

The Economist

The forced repatriation appears to be happening in large waves this week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing coastal hazards, use "large waves" in conjunction with terms like "coastal flooding" or "beach erosion" to emphasize the potential impact.

Common error

Avoid using "large waves" in highly technical scientific papers where more precise measurements (e.g., wave height in meters) are expected. Opt for specific numerical data whenever available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "large waves" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "large" to modify the noun "waves", indicating the size of the waves. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "large waves" is a grammatically sound and frequently used descriptive term. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to describe notable wave size across diverse fields such as news, science, and encyclopedias. Alternative expressions include "high waves" and "powerful waves", each offering slightly different nuances. While widely applicable, precision is crucial; technical contexts may demand specific measurements over general descriptors. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, and its understanding is critical for coastal awareness and safety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high waves

Replaces "large" with "high", focusing on the vertical dimension of the waves.

big waves

Uses a more informal synonym for "large", suitable for less formal contexts.

powerful waves

Shifts the focus to the force and impact of the waves.

giant waves

Emphasizes the extreme size of the waves.

massive waves

Highlights the substantial size and scale of the waves.

storm waves

Links the waves to a storm event, implying rough and dangerous conditions.

ocean swells

Describes the waves in terms of their formation and movement across the ocean.

sea surges

Refers to a sudden increase in sea level, often associated with storms.

turbulent seas

Describes the overall condition of the sea, characterized by irregular and chaotic wave patterns.

towering waves

Emphasizes the height and imposing nature of the waves.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "large waves"?

You can use alternatives like "high waves", "big waves", or "powerful waves" depending on the context.

How does "large waves" relate to coastal erosion?

"Large waves" can cause significant coastal erosion by impacting shorelines with greater force, leading to the displacement of sand and rock. This is especially true during storms and high tides.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "large waves"?

The term "large waves" is appropriate in news reports, scientific articles, and general discussions about ocean conditions, coastal hazards, and surfing. It provides a general description suitable for various audiences.

What's the difference between "large waves" and a tsunami?

"Large waves" are typically caused by wind or storms, whereas a tsunami is a series of powerful ocean waves caused by large-scale disturbances, such as underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Tsunamis have significantly longer wavelengths and can travel much farther.