rising to the surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rising to the surface" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe emotions, thoughts, or issues that become more apparent or noticeable over time. Example: "As the conversation progressed, her true feelings about the situation began rising to the surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When it rains, the ground bubbles with methane gas rising to the surface.

The New York Times

Decades of pent-up grievances are finally rising to the surface and demanding to be heard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet, day after day, the only thing that kept rising to the surface was her discontent.

The New York Times - Sports

And yet, as Alina discovers, truth has a way of rising to the surface just when you least expect it.

The New York Times - Books

Along the bank, near a fallen cottonwood tree, we could see trout rising to the surface and feeding.

The New York Times - Travel

Reduce heat to low, so that there are just a few gentle bubbles rising to the surface.

The New York Times - Food

These affable folks produce a steady stream of perky chatter, but anxiety and dissatisfaction keep rising to the surface.

The New York Times

A photo taken while developing the MERMAIDs shows one rising to the surface after it has recorded an earthquake wave.

Princeton University

Her footage shows three orcas, including what appears to be a youngster, rising to the surface before disappearing again.

The Guardian

Officials said that in two tests, that method appeared to be keeping crude oil from rising to the surface.

The New York Times

Respiration (that is, ventilation) in fishes uses water pressure, with the fish rising to the surface and gulping air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rising to the surface" when you want to convey that something previously hidden, submerged, or latent is now becoming visible, known, or prominent. This can apply to physical objects, emotions, ideas, or problems.

Common error

Avoid using "rising to the surface" in purely literal descriptions where a more direct verb would suffice. For example, instead of saying "The diver was rising to the surface of the water", use "The diver was ascending".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rising to the surface" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often part of a continuous verb tense. It describes the action of something becoming visible or prominent, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rising to the surface" is a versatile verb phrase widely used to describe the emergence or revelation of something previously hidden. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. While literal uses exist, it's often employed metaphorically. When using it, be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey, choosing direct verbs in literal descriptions for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surfacing

A more concise, direct synonym, focusing on the act of appearing on the surface.

coming to light

Emphasizes the revelation or uncovering of something previously hidden.

emerging

Suggests a gradual appearance or development.

becoming apparent

Highlights the increasing clarity or obviousness of something.

becoming visible

Focuses specifically on the visual aspect of something becoming noticeable.

making itself known

Implies an active revelation or assertion of presence.

coming into view

Similar to becoming visible, but emphasizes the act of entering one's field of vision.

bubbling up

Uses imagery of bubbles to suggest something gradually reaching the surface.

manifesting

Suggests a more deliberate or forceful appearance.

unfolding

Implies a gradual revelation or development, like the unfolding of a story.

FAQs

How can I use "rising to the surface" in a sentence?

You can use "rising to the surface" to describe anything that becomes more visible, apparent, or prominent. For example: "Decades of pent-up grievances are finally "rising to the surface" and demanding to be heard."

What can I say instead of "rising to the surface"?

You can use alternatives like "coming to light", "emerging", or "surfacing" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "rising to the surface" literally?

Literally, "rising to the surface" can describe objects or beings ascending in a fluid, like a fish "rising to the surface" for air. However, consider more direct verbs if the context is purely descriptive and not metaphorical.

What's the difference between "rising to the surface" and "bubbling up"?

"Bubbling up" typically suggests a gradual, less forceful emergence, often associated with feelings or ideas. "Rising to the surface" is more general and can apply to a wider range of situations, including physical objects or more significant issues.