spate of calls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spate of calls" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden increase or surge in the number of phone calls received, often in a specific context such as customer service or emergency situations. Example: "After the announcement was made, there was a spate of calls from concerned residents seeking more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The next spate of calls came from anxious neighbors.

The New York Times

He has complained several times to state officials about the spate of calls that have made him distrustful of caller ID.

The New York Times

Over the last days, too, there has been a spate of calls in state news media for "rational" patriotism, such as some of these in the Global Times, which urged Chinese to "not turn to the dark side".

The New York Times

Alarmed by a spate of calls for Sunni protests, Kuwaiti police have banned all public meetings.More quietly, Saudi authorities have for months been harassing local Shia campaigners, arresting dozens and holding many for weeks at a time.

The Economist

In the wake of the incident, there were a spate of calls for referees to have microphones attached to their shirts in the same way as they are in rugby – with their deliberations broadcast publicly and recorded for future reference.

The Guardian - Sport

Diane Fredricksen, a coordinator at Global Volunteers, of St . Paul Minn., an organization that offers such trips, reports that although a few participants canceled travel plans, she has received a spate of calls from first-timers.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The pace of play does not figure to be helped by the recent spate of call-ins from viewers pointing out rules violations during telecasts.

The New York Times - Sports

I wish they'd all leave so I can make my usual midafternoon spate of personal calls.

The New Yorker

A spate of 911 calls had come in to police almost simultaneously, he said, crediting officers with saving further lives through their actions at the scene.

The New York Times

During that stretch, the Nasdaq fell 7percentt or more on three days, producing front-page news that panicked some traders, as well as a spate of margin calls that forced some traders to sell.

The New York Times

The Dublin-born batsman's own form – he averages 16 over the past 12 months – has been so poor of late that he joked the spate of missed calls he received from England's selectors to inform him of his promotion might instead have been to tell him he was out of the squad.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spate of calls" to describe a sudden, often unexpected, increase in the number of incoming phone calls, especially when highlighting a reaction to an event or announcement.

Common error

Avoid using "spate of calls" to describe a consistently high call volume. The phrase implies a deviation from the norm, not a steady state. Instead, use phrases like "high call volume" or "constant stream of calls" for consistent situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spate of calls" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a sudden, large number of phone calls. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spate of calls" is a grammatically sound phrase that accurately describes a sudden increase in telephone communications. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correctly used to highlight a surge in call volume, often triggered by a specific event. Although "spate of calls" is not as common as other similar expressions, it effectively communicates a specific nuance which is a notable and unexpected increase in calls. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for news reporting and business contexts. When using "spate of calls", ensure that it accurately reflects a sudden, unusual increase, rather than a consistent or expected high volume of calls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wave of calls

Emphasizes the sequential arrival of calls, like a wave.

surge of calls

Highlights the abrupt and significant increase in call volume.

influx of calls

Focuses on the incoming flow of calls.

barrage of calls

Suggests a relentless and overwhelming number of calls.

deluge of calls

Implies an excessive and overwhelming quantity of calls.

outpouring of calls

Indicates a strong and emotional response through calls.

sudden increase in calls

Directly states the nature of the change in call volume.

rush of calls

Conveys a sense of urgency and speed in the increase of calls.

cluster of calls

Suggests the calls arrived in a closely grouped manner.

flurry of calls

Implies a brief and hectic period of increased call activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "spate of calls" to describe a sudden increase in phone calls, as in, "After the news broke, the office received a "spate of calls" from concerned customers".

What is a synonym for "spate of calls"?

Synonyms for "spate of calls" include "surge of calls", "wave of calls", or "influx of calls", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "spate of calls" formal or informal?

"Spate of calls" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news reporting and business communications.

What does "spate of calls" imply about the calls?

"Spate of calls" implies that the increase in calls is sudden and often triggered by a specific event or situation, suggesting that the calls are related and not just random occurrences.