resurface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resurface" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of coming back to the surface or reappearing after being hidden or submerged. Example: "After several years of absence, the artist decided to resurface with a new album."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am told he did this because he is concerned that Vice-President Al Gore is in hock to the American unions, and that under a Gore presidency traditional US tendencies towards protectionism might resurface.

The Guardian - Business

But the issues still resurface every holiday.

The Guardian - Opinion

A simple clampdown on expenditure the usual strategy contains cost pressures for a while, but they usually resurface as the public clamours for more money to remedy the shortcomings caused by the restraint.

The Economist

Without their support, any final tariff decision could have been rejected by the EU's member states at the end of the year, when the Commission is due to announce its final findings.The other reason to think trade hostilities might yet resurface has to do with the possible investigation into the telecoms giants.

The Economist

He adds, though, that the transfer of credit risk creates something of a mystery: where might the bad debts that the banks have passed on resurface?

The Economist

So has Imperial College though its head of careers, Elspeth Farrar, suspects the same opportunities may resurface, renamed "voluntary work" or "work shadowing".Strong-arming tactics may prove unnecessary.

The Economist

When the nationalist movement was allowed to resurface in the late 1980s, it was as much concerned with the revival of Ukrainian culture and language as with democracy or market reforms.

The Economist

But golf will resurface as an Olympic sport only at the games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, after a lapse of 112 years.

The Economist

As Mr Lamfalussy observes, "it is when you come to implementation that many difficulties of principle resurface".

The Economist

Sinophobia was fashionable long before China emerged as a global economic power.Such worries occasionally resurface.

The Economist

Unlike elsewhere, uncompleted laws do not lapse when its term ends, but simply resurface next time around.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resurface" to indicate a return to visibility or prominence after a period of obscurity or submersion, whether literal or figurative. Ensure the context clearly supports this interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "resurface" when simply meaning to "surface" or appear for the first time. "Resurface" implies a prior existence or appearance, followed by a period of absence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "resurface" is as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of coming to the surface again or reappearing. Ludwig examples show it used to describe the return of objects, ideas, or problems after a period of absence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resurface" is a verb used to describe the act of appearing again after a period of absence or submersion. As shown by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias, with a generally neutral tone. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Remember to use "resurface" when indicating a return to visibility and avoid using it as a direct substitute for "surface". Related terms include "reappear" and "re-emerge", offering similar semantic meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reappear

Implies coming into sight or existence again, often after being hidden or lost.

re-emerge

Suggests coming out again into view or prominence.

return

Indicates coming back to a place or state.

come back

A more informal way to express returning.

make a comeback

Specifically refers to regaining popularity or success.

regenerate

Signifies renewal or restoration, particularly in biological contexts.

revive

Emphasizes bringing something back to life or activity.

be restored

Focuses on returning something to its original condition.

be renewed

Highlights the sense of making something new again.

come to light

Refers to something becoming known or revealed.

FAQs

How can I use "resurface" in a sentence?

You can use "resurface" to describe something reappearing after being hidden or absent, such as "Old tensions may "resurface" after a period of peace".

What is a good alternative to using "resurface"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "resurface" include "reappear", "re-emerge", or "return".

Which is correct, "surface" or "resurface"?

"Surface" means to come to the top or become visible, while "resurface" implies appearing again after being hidden. Use "resurface" when something is returning.

What does it mean when something is said to "resurface"?

When something "resurfaces", it means that it reappears or becomes evident again after a period of being hidden, forgotten, or suppressed.