surge

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "surge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun or a verb and has multiple meanings. As a verb, it is typically used to describe an increase or rise in something. For example, "After the new regulations were put in place, there was a surge in housing prices." As a noun, it can refer to the increase or rise itself, but also to a powerful movement of something, such as a crowd or waves in a body of water. For example, "The crowd surged forward, pushing their way towards the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She said the existing system made it unlikely that an immigration overhaul could unleash a new wave of illegal migration, like the surge since the amnesty of 1986.

The New York Times

Students began a class boycott last Monday and, galvanised by a city-wide surge in support, staged a large-scale protest outside of the city government headquarters on Friday night.

The Guardian

They've been watching the SNP's phenomenal surge since the Scottish referendum defeat last September.

The Guardian - Opinion

Labour MPs admit privately they are all deeply worried about the SNP surge, which allows the SNP to challenge for seats where it was previously a distant also-ran.

The Guardian

One in five voters support Ukip according to a new poll providing evidence of a continued surge in support for Nigel Farage's party.

The Guardian

When we first started I didn't know much about the country scene, but it's having a huge surge.

The Guardian - Music

It reflected the continued surge in popularity of smartphones and tablets, with a total of 30m downloads of the BBC's iPlayer app since its launch including 150,000 on Christmas Day.

The Guardian

Victoria Jaye, head of TV content for the BBC iPlayer, said on a BBC blog there had been a "significant surge in BBC iPlayer usage, as people all over the country un-wrap new devices and take the opportunity to enjoy our terrific range of programmes, at a time that suits them".

The Guardian

A small drugs charity that was forced to sack almost a third of its staff because of funding cuts has seen a surge in donations, after being featured in a BBC drama this week.

The Guardian

"We can expect to see a surge in Chinese investment in the Amazon in this manner in years to come". Louis Reymondin is the main developer of a satellite imagery programme called Terra-i, which is used by governments and environmental groups to monitor deforestation, and he said the technology offers a dose of optimism.

The Guardian

Norovirus, the deepening difficulty of ensuring hospital rotas are fully staffed and the potential for bad weather producing a surge in patients with breathing trouble – the scenario the NHS fears worst – underlie why Hunt last week increased the extra money available to the service to cope with winter from £400m to £700m.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sudden increase, consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate synonym. For example, use "spike" for temporary increases and "boom" for economic prosperity.

Common error

While "surge" is acceptable, avoid overuse in academic or formal writing. Vary your vocabulary with more precise terms like "increase", "rise", or "growth" to maintain clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The word "surge" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a sudden, powerful forward movement or increase. As a verb, it describes the act of moving forward or increasing suddenly, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surge" is a versatile term used to describe a sudden and significant increase or forward movement. Functioning as both a noun and a verb, it finds frequent application across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to vary your vocabulary in formal writing to avoid repetition. According to Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and widely accepted, rendering it a reliable choice for expressing rapid change or movement. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its common usage in describing increases in support, popularity, or migration, solidifying its role as a key descriptor in contemporary language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spike

Implies a brief, intense increase, useful for describing temporary fluctuations.

sudden increase

Focuses on the abrupt rise in quantity or intensity, omitting the sense of movement or force.

rush

Focuses on the speed and force of a movement or action, applicable to crowds or sudden activities.

sharp rise

Highlights the steepness of the incline, applicable to graphs, statistics, or situations with escalating figures.

rapid growth

Emphasizes the speed and extent of the increase, suitable for contexts involving development or expansion.

upswing

Suggests a positive trend or upturn, often used in economic or market contexts.

boom

Implies a period of great prosperity or rapid expansion, typically used in economic contexts.

flood

Suggests an overwhelming influx or inundation, suitable for describing large-scale movements.

escalation

Highlights the gradual intensification of a situation, often used in conflict or competition contexts.

outbreak

Indicates a sudden and widespread occurrence, typically used for diseases or negative phenomena.

FAQs

How can I use "surge" in a sentence?

You can use "surge" to describe a sudden increase or rush. For example, "There was a "surge in demand" for the new product" or "The crowd "surged forward" to get a better view."

What can I say instead of "surge"?

You can use alternatives like "sudden increase", "rapid growth", or "sharp rise" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "surge" or "search"?

"Surge" and "search" have different meanings. "Surge" refers to a sudden increase, while "search" means to look for something. Ensure you use the correct word based on your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "surge" and "increase"?

"Surge" implies a more sudden and forceful increase than a general "increase". "Increase" can be gradual, while "surge" suggests a rapid and often unexpected change.