sudden wave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden wave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected surge or influx of something, such as emotions, people, or events. Example: "As she walked into the room, a sudden wave of nostalgia washed over her, bringing back memories of her childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Anneli Ivarsson, a pediatrician at Umea University, recalled a sudden wave of "terribly sick" infants.

The New York Times

We are unlikely to experience a sudden wave of matadorial dribbling from here on.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately, this tends to arrive in a sudden wave, before the government has the capacity to absorb it.

The Economist

(That's also an aspect of the sudden wave of nostalgia for New York in the nineteen-seventies).

The New Yorker

With a sudden wave of his fingers he pulled a red foam ball from an unsuspecting reporter's hair and made it reappear in her palm, then vanish.

The New York Times

Does this mean that Britain is experiencing a sudden wave of entrepreneurship as ex-wage slaves decide to run their own businesses?

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

In post-referendum Britain we have seen sudden waves of intolerance.

The Guardian - Opinion

To read through the seismographic record of the gay movement, with its sudden waves of repression and its equally abrupt forward leaps, is to confront the unpredictable dynamics of bigotry.

The New Yorker

If you own an iconic oceanfront house, you have to be prepared for a few inconveniences: Sudden waves crashing against your living room, tourists constantly stopping by and, occasionally, a whiff of aging seaweed.

Huffington Post

This rare natural phenomenon (of a sudden, large wave appearing unexpectedly) is known as a rogue or freak wave.

Vice

Was there a sudden crime wave in Seattle?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sudden wave" to describe an abrupt and significant increase or experience of something, whether it's emotions, events, or trends. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the unexpected nature of the occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "sudden wave" excessively in formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like 'rapid increase' or 'abrupt surge' for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden wave" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes an abrupt and significant increase or experience. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is indeed usable in written English, and the examples show it used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sudden wave" is a versatile phrase used to describe an abrupt and significant surge or influx of something, be it emotions, events, or trends. As Ludwig AI affirms, the phrase is correct and widely used in English writing. It's commonly found in news and media, and while generally neutral, it should be used judiciously in formal contexts where more precise language might be necessary. Alternatives like "unexpected surge" or "rapid increase" may offer greater precision. The phrase's prevalence across diverse sources underscores its utility in conveying unexpected and impactful shifts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected surge

Replaces 'wave' with 'surge', focusing on the sudden increase.

abrupt influx

Substitutes 'wave' with 'influx', highlighting a sudden arrival or entry.

sudden rush

Emphasizes speed and intensity using 'rush' instead of 'wave'.

rapid increase

Focuses on the quick growth or escalation of something.

outburst

Suggests a sudden and uncontrolled release or expression.

spate of

Indicates a large number of similar events occurring in quick succession.

sudden outpouring

Highlights an emotional or expressive release that is both sudden and abundant.

burst of

Conveys a sudden, short-lived release of energy or activity.

upsurge

Suggests a rising or swelling, often in the context of emotions or activity.

eruption of

Implies a sudden and forceful outbreak, often in a metaphorical sense.

FAQs

How can I use "sudden wave" in a sentence?

You can use "sudden wave" to describe an abrupt and significant increase or experience of something. For instance, "A "sudden wave" of nostalgia washed over her as she revisited her childhood home."

What are some alternatives to "sudden wave"?

Alternatives include "unexpected surge", "abrupt influx", or "rapid increase", depending on the specific context.

Is "sudden wave" formal or informal?

"Sudden wave" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise terms may be preferred in highly formal writing.

What does "sudden wave" typically describe?

"Sudden wave" typically describes an unexpected and intense surge or influx of something, such as emotions, events, or trends. For example, a ""sudden wave" of popularity" or a ""sudden wave" of emotion".