spikes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'spikes' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to thin, pointed objects, like the points of a shoe, or as a verb to mean to rapidly increase or rise. Example Sentence: The stock market spiked sharply after the announcement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Technology

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The only problem is trying to do that at tracks in the UK... there's spikes come off people's shoes and stones and whatever else so you could end up getting injured.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Replied the long-hitting McIlroy, "If you got your swing speed over 100mph you might need spikes too... ;)" Golf historians may still be checking their archives, but so far the consensus is that Hogan and Nelson, Palmer and Nicklaus and Woods and Mickelson never had an exchange like this for millions around the world to instantly read, retweet and snicker.

The New York Times - Sports

He says "this is a global problem, as we recently saw with the spikes on the streets in London.

The Guardian

It is, as he said, appalling that mortality rates can be 16% higher on a Sunday, and it would surely be better – as he also suggested – if services were organised around spikes in demand, not weekend rotas for skeleton staff.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite being on track for a personal best with five laps to go, the teacher said he could feel his rivals running away from him and said it marked a good point to hang up his spikes.

The Guardian - Sport

"Why do some people still use those spikes," Poulter wrote, noting that he had switched to soft plastic spikes.

The New York Times - Sports

The British Athletics performance director Neil Black said: "It's a big brave decision for Phil, and whilst we're sad to see him hang up his spikes for now, he's had a fantastic career.

The Guardian - Sport

And there have been huge spikes during various bouts of political unrest, particularly the Arab spring.

The Guardian - Tech

The male Stegosaurus had billboard-like back plates that it used to attract potential mates, while females had prickly spikes that kept predators at bay, scientists have discovered.

The Guardian

These performances are splendid, but the principals are exceptional: Thompson finds vulnerability beneath Travers's spikes, and Hanks brings a steely tenor to Disney that prevents him from becoming completely gooey.

The Guardian - Film

This makes it hard for an electricity grid operator to balance supply and demand, especially when demand spikes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "spikes" to emphasize a sudden and dramatic increase, rather than a gradual change.

Common error

Avoid using "spikes" interchangeably with "peaks". "Spikes" imply a sudden, sharp increase, while "peaks" suggest a more gradual rise and fall.

Linguistic Context

The word "spikes" primarily functions as a noun, referring to sharp, pointed objects or a rapid increase. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples, showing its diverse usage. It can also function as a verb, in the third person singular form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "spikes" is a versatile term used to describe both physical objects and sudden increases. According to Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a noun or, less frequently, as a verb. Its usage spans various contexts, including news reports, sports articles, and scientific publications. While grammatically straightforward, "spikes" should be carefully distinguished from similar terms like "peaks" to avoid misrepresenting the rate and nature of change. The term is most frequently used in news and media as well as sports reporting, indicating its relevance to current events and athletic performance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp increases

Focuses on the sudden and significant nature of the increase.

sudden surges

Emphasizes the abrupt and powerful rise in something.

rapid ascents

Indicates a quick and upward movement or increase.

steep climbs

Suggests a sharp and challenging increase or rise.

sudden upticks

Implies a small but noticeable increase or rise.

increased incidence

Focuses on rising instances or occurrences of something.

pointed projections

Highlights the physical characteristic of being sharp and protruding.

piercing points

Focuses on the ability to penetrate or puncture.

cleated shoes

Refers specifically to athletic shoes with protrusions for traction.

studded footwear

Describes shoes equipped with studs or projections for grip.

FAQs

How can I use "spikes" in a sentence?

You can use "spikes" to describe a rapid increase in something, like "There were "spikes" in demand for electricity during the heatwave". It can also refer to physical spikes, like "The running shoes had "spikes" for better traction".

What can I say instead of "spikes" to describe a sudden increase?

You can use alternatives like "sharp increases", "sudden surges", or "rapid ascents" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "spikes" or "increase"?

"Spikes" and "increase" are both correct, but they convey different meanings. "Spikes" suggests a sudden, dramatic rise, while "increase" is a more general term for a rise in quantity or level. The best choice depends on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "spikes" and "peaks"?

"Spikes" refer to a sudden, sharp increase, often followed by a quick drop. "Peaks" describe the highest point in a graph or trend, which might be reached more gradually. Using them interchangeably might lead to a misunderstanding of the rate and nature of change.