ocean swells

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ocean swells" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the rising and falling movements of the sea, often in the context of weather, sailing, or surfing. Example: "The ocean swells were perfect for surfing, drawing enthusiasts from all over the coast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The movement, in harmony with ocean swells, drives a pump attached to the tether.

The Guardian

"These huge ocean swells come roaring in from the sea and literally trip over Hatteras.

The New York Times - Sports

In quieter seasons, the oceanettes' panoramic intimacy with the Indian Ocean swells must be irresistible.

The New York Times - Travel

Ocean swells of 6 to 10 feet prevented the deployment of floating booms to contain the oil slick.

The New York Times - Science

From ripples on a pond to deep ocean swells, sound waves, and light, all waves share some basic characteristics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since the summer began, the lack of wind and the few ocean swells have meant the temperature has climbed steadily.

The Guardian

With just the right conditions, its shallow waters turn huge ocean swells into giant, perfect breaking waves.

The New York Times - Sports

Lifeguards rushed into the water but were able to pull only Carla from the turbulent ocean swells.

The New York Times

The hindrance of these submarine hills, and of the tidal currents that swirl around and across them, robs the long ocean swells of their power.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Madeira is the new Azores Like the Azores, the Portuguese island of Madeira, in the North Atlantic, gets large open-ocean swells that will satisfy seasoned surfers who don't mind navigating a bit of rugged coastline.

The New York Times

The wide connection existing among southern ocean basins permits extratropical south Indian Ocean swells originating from extratropical systems from adjacent extratropical areas to freely penetrate adjacent ocean basins.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of weather events or geographical features, use "ocean swells" to convey the power and scale of the water's movement.

Common error

Avoid using "ocean swells" interchangeably with smaller waves or ripples. "Ocean swells" imply significant size and power, so ensure the context aligns with this scale.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ocean swells" is that of a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable presence in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ocean swells" is a noun phrase used to describe the large, rolling waves that travel across the ocean, often originating from distant storms. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and travel, with a primarily neutral register. While interchangeable with terms like "sea waves" or "marine swells", "ocean swells" specifically emphasizes the scale and origin of the waves, distinguishing them from smaller, locally generated waves. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the idea of significant wave size and power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sea waves

Focuses on the general term for waves in the sea, omitting the connotation of size or distance.

marine swells

Uses "marine" as an adjective to describe the swells, emphasizing their oceanic origin.

sea surges

Highlights the powerful and sudden nature of the water movement.

ocean undulations

Replaces "swells" with "undulations", emphasizing the smooth, wave-like motion of the ocean.

large waves

Describes the swells in terms of their size, suitable when the focus is on magnitude.

long waves

Describes the swells in terms of their length, suitable when the focus is on the extent of the wave.

rolling waves

Highlights the continuous, circular motion of the water.

open ocean waves

Emphasizes the location of the waves, particularly when differentiating from coastal waves.

ground swells

Specifically refers to swells that have traveled a long distance, implying a source far away.

surf waves

Refers to waves as a surfing term. They tend to be more frequent and less strong.

FAQs

How are "ocean swells" formed?

"Ocean swells" are typically formed by distant winds and storms that generate waves which travel across the ocean. These waves can travel long distances and maintain their energy, resulting in large, rolling "ocean swells" when they reach coastal areas.

What is the difference between "ocean swells" and local waves?

"Ocean swells" are generated far from the coast, often by distant storms, and travel long distances with a consistent, rolling motion. Local waves, on the other hand, are typically generated by local winds and are more choppy and irregular.

How do "ocean swells" affect coastal areas?

"Ocean swells" can significantly impact coastal areas by causing erosion, creating hazardous conditions for boating and swimming, and influencing tidal patterns. Large "ocean swells" can also provide excellent surfing conditions.

Are "ocean swells" dangerous?

Yes, "ocean swells" can be dangerous, especially large ones generated by powerful storms. They can create strong rip currents, unpredictable surf conditions, and pose a threat to both experienced and inexperienced ocean users. Always heed local warnings and exercise caution near the water during periods of high "ocean swells".