made a splash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made a splash" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate when something or someone has caused sudden, great excitement or attention. For example, "She made a splash in Hollywood with her acting debut."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It made a splash.

The New York Times

It made a splash story in 2004.

Independent

The missing drawing has made a splash.

The New York Times

Mr Miliband's visit barely made a splash.

The Economist

Anthony Weiner has made a splash.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not surprisingly, the book made a splash, drawing mixed reviews.

Princeton University

Ole Miss made a splash in the national rankings.

The New York Times - Sports

They've certainly made a splash in the restaurant world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He made a splash with a $12 million shark.

The New York Times

Madame Chiang made a splash in Washington after the war.

The New York Times

Alexander McQueen literally made a splash with a striking collection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made a splash" when you want to convey that something or someone has gained significant attention quickly and noticeably.

Common error

Avoid using "made a splash" for minor or insignificant events. The phrase implies a considerable degree of impact or attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made a splash" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, indicating its role in describing something or someone achieving notable attention or success. Examples show it describing events, people, or products that have gained significant recognition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made a splash" is a widely used and grammatically sound idiomatic phrase signifying that something or someone has quickly garnered significant attention or achieved notable success. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for diverse writing contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, its use extends to Academia and Science, reflecting its broad applicability. When looking for alternatives, consider phrases like "created a stir" or "attracted attention" to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

created a stir

Emphasizes the excitement and commotion caused.

attracted attention

Focuses on the act of gaining notice.

caused a sensation

Highlights the widespread excitement and interest.

made an impact

Focuses on the significant effect or influence.

turned heads

Suggests something visually striking or attention-grabbing.

generated buzz

Indicates a lot of talk and excitement surrounding something.

became popular

Focuses on the increasing acceptance and appeal.

gained prominence

Emphasizes the rise in importance or recognition.

stood out

Indicates being noticeably different or superior.

left a mark

Focuses on the lasting impression or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "made a splash" in a sentence?

You can use "made a splash" to describe something that has gained significant attention or created excitement. For example, "Her debut album "made a splash" in the music industry".

What are some alternatives to "made a splash"?

You can use alternatives such as "created a stir", "attracted attention", or "caused a sensation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "made a splash" in formal writing?

While "made a splash" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "made an impact" or "gained prominence".

What does it mean when something "makes a splash"?

When something "makes a splash", it means it has gained considerable attention, generated excitement, or had a significant impact in a short amount of time.