making waves

USAGE SUMMARY

"making waves" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to making a splash in a particular field or to signify a large, noticeable impact. You can use it in any formal or informal written context. For example: "The young entrepreneur was making waves in the tech industry with her new invention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

We're trying, we're making waves.

The New York Times - Sports

But this puzzle is making waves.

The New York Times - Arts

Townes C H. Making waves.

Nature

She's been making waves, quietly, for years.

The New Yorker

"He likes making waves," Mr. Levitsky added.

The New York Times

It's not interested in making waves, and that's perfectly understandable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

That really would make waves.

The Economist

Earthquakes make waves.

University of California, Berkeley

Some are ready to make waves.

The New York Times

He wasn't going to make waves.

The New Yorker

The exchange did not make waves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making waves" to describe impactful actions or noticeable changes in a specific field or industry. Ensure the context clearly indicates the area where the impact is being made.

Common error

Avoid using "making waves" when the impact is minimal or localized. This phrase implies a significant and widespread effect, not just minor or personal changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making waves" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often part of a continuous verb tense. It describes an ongoing action of causing a disturbance, excitement, or significant impact. As shown in Ludwig, it's frequently used to depict an individual or entity actively disrupting or influencing a particular field.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making waves" is a commonly used idiom that signifies causing a stir or having a significant impact, confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. It is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into various contexts from news and media to academia and science. As Ludwig highlights, while it's acceptable in formal and informal settings, caution is advised to ensure the impact is appropriately scaled to the situation. For alternative expressions, consider "creating a stir" or "making an impact" to convey similar meanings. This idiomatic phrase is a powerful way to emphasize the influence and potential disruption caused by a subject's actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating a stir

Emphasizes the act of causing excitement or controversy.

causing a sensation

Highlights the generation of widespread interest and excitement.

making an impact

Focuses on the effect or influence exerted.

gaining prominence

Suggests an ascent in reputation or importance.

attracting attention

Highlights the act of drawing notice or interest.

generating buzz

Implies creating excitement and word-of-mouth discussion.

making headway

Indicates progress and advancement in a particular area.

leaving a mark

Focuses on the lasting effect or influence.

shaking things up

Implies disrupting the status quo or causing significant change.

turning heads

Emphasizes attracting attention through remarkable actions or appearance.

FAQs

How to use "making waves" in a sentence?

"Making waves" is used to describe someone or something that is causing a stir or having a significant impact. For example, "The new startup is "making waves" in the tech industry."

What can I say instead of "making waves"?

You can use alternatives like "creating a stir", "causing a sensation", or "making an impact" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "making waves" or "make waves"?

"Making waves" is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses (e.g., "is making waves"). "Make waves" is the base form, used in general statements or commands. Both are correct, but their usage depends on the sentence structure.

What's the difference between "making waves" and "riding the wave"?

"Making waves" means causing disruption or having a significant impact, while "riding the wave" implies taking advantage of an existing trend or success. They have opposite connotations; one initiates change, while the other benefits from it.