spike

USAGE SUMMARY

"spike" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used as a verb meaning "to increase sharply", as in, "The stock market saw a spike in oil prices." It can also be used as a noun to describe something long and pointed, as in, "The cat brushed up against the bed of spikes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The recent spike in UVF-related violence has prompted the Police Federation to claim the organisation's ceasefire is finished.

The Guardian

He also said Black Friday had been a "nightmare" because it produced a massive spike in sales that was difficult to cope with both online and in stores.

The Guardian - Business

A spike in the numbers of immigrants attempting the dangerous sea crossing from Libya has sparked alarm in Europe, particularly after about 800 people drowned in a Mediterranean shipwreck last month.

The Guardian

The media plays a role in all of this, as hate crimes tend to spike following events receiving significant media coverage: In 2001, the FBI recorded 481 anti-Muslim hate crimes, over a 1600% increase from the year before.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over the past decade, going back to the 2005 Ashes series, England have used reverse more effectively than almost any other side, something other teams have not just envied but attempted to replicate, or alternatively spike.

The Guardian - Sport

This is not unusual; police and Jewish civil rights organisations have long observed a noticeable spike in antisemitic incidents each time the Israeli-Palestinian conflict flares.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Django Unchained, which recently became Tarantino's most successful film at the US box office, has been a hit with black audiences despite criticism from figures such as the film director Spike Lee over its depiction of slavery.

The Guardian - Film

There were a number of big name omissions, including Hanks for both his talked-up roles this year in Captain Phillips and Saving Mr Banks, as well as Robert Redford as a lone yachtsman in All Is Lost, Emma Thompson as crotchety author PL Travers in Saving Mr Banks, and Joaquin Phoenix in Spike Jonze's oddball love story Her.

The Guardian - Film

Spike Jonze took home international prizes for his work on Jay-Z and Kanye West's Otis as well as his clip for Arcade Fire's The Suburbs, which borrowed footage from his short film of the same name.

The Guardian - Music

Journalists would sing an amended version of a Spike Milligan song while eavesdropping on his messages, Hipwell claimed.

The Guardian

Director Spike Lee claims the film is "disrespectful to my ancestors" and has refused to see the thing on principle.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To describe an action in volleyball, be specific by using the phrase "spike the ball" to describe the attack, and remember that it is more useful to use that phrase when speaking about sport-related events.

Common error

Avoid using "spike" to describe gradual or consistent growth. "Spike" implies a sudden and often temporary surge, not a steady climb. Use words like "increase", "rise", or "growth" for gradual trends.

Linguistic Context

The word "spike" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a sharp, pointed object or a sudden, large increase. As a verb, it means to increase sharply or to pierce with a spike. Ludwig shows that "spike" is commonly used to describe increases in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Business

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "spike" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb, denoting either a sharp increase or a pointed object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. As demonstrated by numerous examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist, "spike" is frequently employed in news, business, and sports contexts to describe sudden surges or sharp rises. When writing, remember that "spike" implies a sudden, often temporary change, and should not be used for gradual increases. Alternatives like "surge" or "sharp increase" can be used depending on the context to improve clarity and precision. Overall, "spike" is a common and useful word when correctly applied to signify rapid changes or to describe pointed objects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp increase

Emphasizes a rapid and significant rise in a quantity or measure.

sudden surge

Highlights the abrupt and powerful nature of the increase.

steep rise

Indicates a quick and substantial upward climb.

augment dramatically

Emphasizes a substantial and noticeable increase or addition.

intensify rapidly

Focuses on a quick and strong increase in intensity.

pointed projection

Focuses on the physical aspect of a sharp, protruding object.

pierce sharply

Describes the action of penetrating something with a pointed object.

jab forcefully

Implies a quick and strong poking action.

drive in deeply

Suggests forcefully inserting something into a surface.

inject abruptly

Refers to a sudden and forceful introduction of something.

FAQs

How can I use "spike" in a sentence?

"Spike" can be used as a noun to describe a sharp increase, as in, "The city experienced a "spike in crime" this summer." It can also be used as a verb, meaning to increase sharply, as in, "Interest rates spiked after the government announcement."

What are some synonyms for "spike" when referring to a sharp increase?

When referring to a sharp increase, you can use synonyms such as "surge", "rise", "increase", or "jump". For example, instead of "a spike in sales", you could say "a "surge in sales"" or "a "sharp increase in sales"".

Is it correct to say "spiked interest"?

While "spike" typically refers to a sharp increase in a measurable quantity, using "spiked interest" can be acceptable in informal contexts to describe a sudden surge of interest or attention. However, it's more precise to say "increased interest" or "heightened interest" for formal writing.

What's the difference between "spike" and "peak"?

"Spike" implies a sudden and often temporary sharp increase, while "peak" refers to the highest point in a trend or measurement. A "spike" might occur leading up to a "peak", but a "peak" doesn't necessarily have to be preceded by a sudden surge. A "peak in sales", for example, implies the highest sales volume over a period of time.