ripple across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ripple across" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a spreading effect or influence, often in a metaphorical sense, such as emotions, ideas, or changes that extend outward from a central point. Example: "The news of her promotion caused excitement to ripple across the entire office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nods of recognition ripple across the audience.

The New York Times

These delays ripple across the country.

The New York Times

Words ripple across the surface of paper.

The New York Times - Arts

A deepening slowdown would ripple across the world economy.

The New York Times

Airport delays in the East often ripple across the country.

The New York Times

The fallout from the Colombia episode continued to ripple across Washington.

The New York Times

But the fear is that the troubles brewing among European lenders could ripple across the Atlantic.

The New York Times

But then a quaking began to ripple across the ballroom floor.

The New Yorker

They barely made a ripple across the vast 25-by-68-meter 25-by-68-meter 25-by-68-meter 25-by-68-meter

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"In the event that these fears disappear completely, PCL prices could fall by around 10%." History suggests that this drop would then ripple across the rest of London.

The Guardian

"Absences on Wikipedia ripple across the internet".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ripple across" to describe the spread of effects, emotions, or ideas from a central point. This phrase works best when the impact is felt progressively, like waves expanding outwards.

Common error

Avoid using "ripple across" to describe events that happen instantaneously or without a spreading effect. Opt for verbs like "affect", "impact", or "influence" when describing immediate or direct consequences.

Linguistic Context

The verb phrase "ripple across" functions primarily as a descriptive element, portraying how an action or event extends its influence outward. It paints a picture of interconnected consequences stemming from a central point, similar to how waves expand on water. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ripple across" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that effectively illustrates the cascading effects of an event. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and its strength lies in conveying a progressive and interconnected impact. Its prevalence in News & Media underscores its utility in describing broad consequences across different sectors. While synonyms such as "spread throughout" or "permeate through" exist, "ripple across" uniquely captures the wave-like nature of extending influence, making it a valuable tool in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread throughout

Implies a more even and pervasive distribution than "ripple across".

extend across

Focuses on the spatial reach or coverage of something.

permeate through

Suggests a deeper, more thorough penetration.

wash over

Conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or enveloped.

radiate through

Implies an origin point from which something emanates.

flow through

Suggests a continuous and smooth movement or influence.

diffuse through

Indicates a gradual and less focused dispersion.

cascade through

Implies a rapid and abundant flow.

stretch across

Highlights the physical or abstract distance covered.

travel through

Conveys the idea of something moving from one point to another.

FAQs

How can I use "ripple across" in a sentence?

Use "ripple across" to describe how an event or action causes a series of related effects that spread outward, like waves. For example, "The company's new policy changes will "ripple across" all departments."

What can I say instead of "ripple across"?

You can use alternatives like "spread throughout", "extend across", or "permeate through" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "ripple across" mean?

The phrase "ripple across" means to spread or extend outwards in a way that resembles ripples on water. It suggests a progressive and interconnected series of effects or influences.

Which is more appropriate, "ripple across" or "affect"?

Use "ripple across" when you want to emphasize the spreading, interconnected nature of the effects. Use "affect" when you want to simply state that something has an impact, without necessarily implying a spreading or cascading effect.