recent spate of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recent spate of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sudden increase or occurrence of something, often negative events or situations. Example: "The city has seen a recent spate of burglaries, prompting residents to increase their security measures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Involved in recent spate of sectarian bombings.

The Guardian

Despite the recent spate of strong showings, the I.P.O.

The New York Times

Talk soon turned to the recent spate of cattle rustling.

The New York Times

Is he connected to a recent spate of vandalism?

The New Yorker

But the recent spate of Arrau CD's reanimated my interest.

The New York Times - Arts

Then there was the recent spate of cabdriver murders.

The New York Times

The recent spate of superinjunctions is another example.

The Guardian

Talk story about the recent spate of movies with the name "Joe" in their title.

The New Yorker

And, the recent spate of recalls notwithstanding, the average number of problems reported in J. D.

The New Yorker

A recent spate of economic data has eased fears among economists that a recession is imminent.

The New York Times

Mr. Tabuni had been campaigning for an investigation into a recent spate of shootings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recent spate of" to describe a sudden and noticeable increase in events, especially negative ones like crimes, incidents, or problems. It adds emphasis to the unexpected rise.

Common error

While "recent spate of" is effective, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Opt for synonyms like "surge", "wave", or "series" to maintain variety and prevent redundancy in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recent spate of" functions as a modifier introducing a noun. It specifies that the noun is experiencing a sudden increase in frequency or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase precedes a noun describing a specific event or situation. It describes a cluster of similar (usually negative) events occurring within a short timeframe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recent spate of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a sudden increase in events, especially undesirable ones. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for professional contexts. Consider synonyms like "surge", "wave", or "series" to avoid overuse. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "recent spate of" to draw attention to important trends and developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recent surge of

Focuses on the abrupt increase in quantity or intensity.

recent wave of

Emphasizes the cyclical or recurring nature of the events.

recent outbreak of

Suggests a sudden and widespread occurrence, often used for diseases or conflicts.

recent series of

Highlights the sequential and connected nature of the events.

recent rash of

Implies a sudden and unwelcome increase in something undesirable.

recent flurry of

Emphasizes the brief and intense nature of the occurrences.

recent cluster of

Highlights the grouping or concentration of events in a specific area or time.

increase in

A simple way of referring to the increase of events.

upswing in

A more formal way of referring to the increase of events.

growing number of

Focuses on the accumulation and rising count of events.

FAQs

What does "recent spate of" mean?

The phrase "recent spate of" refers to a sudden and noticeable increase in the occurrence of something, often something negative or undesirable. It implies that there have been more instances of the thing in question than usual in a short period of time.

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

You can use "recent spate of" to describe various situations. For example: "The town has experienced a "recent spate of" burglaries", or "There's been a "recent spate of" positive economic data despite earlier recession fears".

What are some alternatives to "recent spate of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "recent surge of", "recent wave of", or "recent series of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "recent spate of" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports, articles, or analytical pieces. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a more neutral or descriptive phrase might be more appropriate in certain situations. In general is a "recent series of" more formal than a "recent rash of".