rolling waves

USAGE SUMMARY

'rolling waves' is a correct and usable phrase in written English that can be used to refer to the continuous movement of waves in the ocean.
Example: We watched in awe as the rolling waves crashed against the shore.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sun kisses the breaks of large, rolling waves.

The Washington Post

Or live in a lighthouse in Donegal watching the rolling waves, listening to Astral Weeks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The lower portion is embroidered with diagonal stripes signifying water and rolling waves for the sea.

The New York Times - Arts

(Gerson again: "Trump gained a kind of perverse energy from the rolling waves of hatred").

The New Yorker

Ms. Meyer and her movie provoked rolling waves of screams from girls.

The New York Times

The rolling waves caused by the backwash threatened to swamp it.

The Guardian

Some rolling waves seem big enough to body surf, especially those thrown by passing vessels.

The New York Times

Lifeguards, shark nets and gentle rolling waves make this a popular beach.

The Guardian - Travel

Huge rolling waves crashed against the rocky foreshore below as flocks of gulls feasted on a passing shoal of fish.

Independent

Instead of roller- coasters, you'll experience rolling waves and white sandy beaches, boutique shopping and breezy seafood restaurants.

The Guardian - Travel

The distant spire of the Empire State Building is a good bet, along with the rolling waves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rolling waves" to evoke a sense of tranquility or power, depending on the context. For example, "The sound of the rolling waves lulled me to sleep" conveys peace, while "The ship struggled against the rolling waves" implies a challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "rolling waves" metaphorically if it doesn't align with the context. Overusing it can dilute its impact. Instead, consider alternatives that better capture the intended imagery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rolling waves" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "rolling" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "waves". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used. It describes a specific characteristic of waves, emphasizing their continuous and cyclical movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Travel

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Lifestyle

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rolling waves" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the characteristic motion of waves, particularly in the ocean. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a well-established and versatile phrase. Its usage spans from descriptive writing in travel and lifestyle contexts to metaphorical applications in news and media, although it is most frequently found describing coastal scenes. While generally neutral, it leans toward the informal side. When using the phrase, consider the context and whether more specific descriptors like "undulating sea" or "swelling waves" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undulating sea

Replaces 'rolling' with 'undulating' to emphasize the wave-like motion of the sea.

swelling waves

Substitutes 'rolling' with 'swelling' to highlight the increase in size and intensity of the waves.

surging water

Replaces 'waves' with 'water' to broaden the scope and emphasize the powerful movement of the water.

cresting waves

Changes 'rolling' to 'cresting' to focus on the formation of a crest in the waves.

tumultuous ocean

Replaces "rolling waves" with a more general description of a rough ocean.

endless swells

Replaces "rolling waves" with a description of long, unbroken waves.

billowing sea

Uses 'billowing' to describe a sea that appears to swell and surge like fabric.

lapping waves

Describes waves gently touching the shore.

rhythmic motion of the sea

Describes the sea's movement in a more abstract, poetic way.

flowing currents

Shifts the focus from waves to the continuous movement of water in currents.

FAQs

How can I use "rolling waves" in a sentence?

You can use "rolling waves" to describe a seascape, as in, "We watched the sun set over the rolling waves". It can also be used metaphorically, as in, "The project faced rolling waves of challenges".

What are some alternatives to "rolling waves"?

Alternatives include "undulating sea", "swelling waves", or "surging water", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "waves are rolling"?

Yes, "waves are rolling" is a grammatically correct sentence. "Rolling waves" is a noun phrase that describes the type of waves, while "waves are rolling" is a sentence describing the action of the waves.

What imagery does the phrase "rolling waves" evoke?

The phrase "rolling waves" typically evokes images of the ocean or a large body of water with continuous, rhythmic motion. It can suggest both calmness and power, depending on the scale and context.