surfacing

USAGE SUMMARY

'surfacing' is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It can be used in various contexts and has multiple meanings. Below are some examples of how 'surfacing' can be used: 1. As a verb meaning to appear or come to the surface of something: "The submarine is surfacing after completing its mission in the deep sea." 2. As a verb meaning to rise or emerge from a difficult or challenging situation: "She is slowly surfacing from the depression she was going through." 3. As a noun meaning the act of coming to the surface: "The surfacing of the whale took everyone by surprise." 4. As a noun meaning a layer or coating applied on a road or pavement: "The new surfacing on the highway has significantly reduced accidents." 5. As a noun meaning the process of finishing or smoothing a material: "The surfacing of the wooden floor took longer than expected due to its intricate design." 6. As an adjective meaning visible or exposed on the surface: "The surfacing issues in their relationship were causing a strain on their marriage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For what has become obvious during the long years of Eurosceptic ascendancy is that too much that is positive about the EU has been left unsaid, which is now surfacing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A lot of other health problems are surfacing … there is still a fear of using the very limited health system that was there".

The Guardian

As the eurozone crisis continues, anti-establishment insurgencies like the SNP's are surfacing all over Europe: nationalist, populist, separatist, left or right.

The Guardian

Libin says that he sees Evernote's search feature almost as a sign of failure: that if people have to manually search for something, it shows that "we haven't succeeded at a few other things before that moment" in terms of surfacing useful information.

The Guardian - Tech

The list covers a range of projects building railway and tram lines, expanding highways, surfacing streets and improving bus services around the region.But elected officials making deals is one thing; convincing a farmer in a rural part of Fayette County, on the very edge of metro Atlanta, to tax himself to pay for trams downtown is something else entirely.

The Economist

With no engine noise, a stealthy "swarm" of gliders could monitor submarines and ships entering a strait, for example, surfacing to transmit their findings.

The Economist

Few are likely to credit the politician sometimes known as "the submarine" for his habit of surfacing on important set-piece occasions, then disappearing again: George Osborne, the Conservative chancellor of the exchequer.

The Economist

But what will he inherit?New allegations are surfacing about BP's awareness of problems with the well before the accident on April 20th.

The Economist

There is no possibility of a romantic attachment, but by insisting that human ties can be based on something both more and less than sex, Mr Ozpetek makes a touching humanist statement.Successful women directors, too, are surfacing again in Italy, for more or less the first time since Lina Wertmuller in the 1970s.

The Economist

Anti-Korean and anti-Chinese hatred is increasingly surfacing on the internet, too, and those countries give as good as they get.

The Economist

And reports are now surfacing of a ring supplying southern Spain and Italy with child prostitutes from the deep south of Morocco.Officials in Morocco say it is time to regulate the trans-Mediterranean traffic rather than leave the underground networks to do their worst.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the emergence of information or problems, use "surfacing" to convey a sense of something previously hidden now becoming apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "surfacing" when a more direct word like "appearing" or "emerging" would be clearer in abstract or metaphorical contexts. Choose the word that best fits the nuance you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "surfacing" varies. It can act as a verb (present participle), describing an action in progress (e.g., "The submarine is surfacing"). As Ludwig AI highlights, it can also function as a noun, referring to the material used for a surface or the act of coming above the surface.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surfacing" is a versatile term with distinct functions. It can act as a verb, describing the act of emerging, or as a noun, referring to a material or the act of appearing. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Analysis of usage patterns reveals it is very common, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. While generally neutral in register, its specific meaning depends heavily on context. When writing, remember to choose "surfacing" when you intend to convey the idea of something hidden becoming visible, or to describe the material used for covering a surface.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearing

A more general term for becoming visible or noticeable, less specific than "surfacing".

rising to the surface

Similar meaning, but more literal and emphasizes overcoming some barrier.

emerging

Highlights the process of coming out or developing, often used for trends or issues.

coming up

A more colloquial way to say appearing or becoming relevant.

coming to light

Focuses on the revelation or discovery aspect, rather than just appearing.

being revealed

Passive form that suggests an uncovering or disclosure.

coming into view

Emphasizes the act of becoming visible, suitable for describing something previously hidden.

becoming apparent

Shifts the focus to understanding or realization, rather than physical appearance.

materializing

Suggests something becoming real or tangible, often from a less concrete state.

providing a finish

Relates to the 'covering' sense of surfacing, as in applying a surface treatment.

FAQs

How can I use "surfacing" in a sentence?

You can use "surfacing" to describe something coming to the surface of water, like "The submarine is "surfacing" after its mission". It can also describe problems or information becoming known.

What are some alternatives to "surfacing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "appearing", "emerging", or "rising to the surface".

Which is correct, "surfacing" or "surfaced"?

The correct form depends on the context. "Surfacing" is the present participle or gerund, while "surfaced" is the past tense or past participle. For example, "The submarine is "surfacing"" vs. "The submarine has "surfaced"".

What's the difference between "surfacing" and "emerging"?

"Surfacing" often implies something was previously hidden or submerged, while "emerging" simply means coming into view or existence. "Surfacing" can also refer to applying a surface treatment, which "emerging" cannot.