surging upward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surging upward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a rapid increase or rise in something, such as prices, emotions, or physical movement. Example: "The stock market has been surging upward, reaching new heights every week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And federal spending on Medicare and Medicaid is surging upward at rates that will cause the deficit to soar.

The New York Times

"As the neighborhood was surging upward, a succession of real estate interests wanted to get rid of us," Mr. Sheffer said.

The New York Times - Arts

Describes the band's "Bring Me the Head of Kenny Rogers World Tour '87" & how it led to the band's first hit "Don't Let's Start," which sent sales of the album surging upward to 50,000 a month.

The New Yorker

The cost of private health insurance is surging upward by more than 12percentt a year even as patients are required to pay more out of pocket and are receiving fewer benefits.

The New York Times

The gentle side of Bernstein issues forth again in beautiful writing for solo winds, almost worthy of Shostakovich, and long-breathing threnodies (a staple of big American symphonies in the forties and fifties, including Bernstein's Symphony No. 1 ("Jeremiah") — strings and brass surging upward in plaintive yearning for release.

The New Yorker

The author devastatingly demolishes myths and misconceptions about global warming: Antarctica is not fast melting away, nor is Greenland defrosting; global temperatures are not rising rapidly; ocean levels are not surging upward; we are not extinguishing most of the Earth's species; we are not denuding the Earth of its forests; the average life span is increasing, not decreasing.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The water will surge upward into a huge hill, then promptly collapse.

The New Yorker

Kill them off and the population of their prey surges upward.

The New Yorker

Unlike "trickle down" half measures, that explosive geyser of human energy, when unleashed, will surge upward with a powerful roar.

The New York Times

The borrowing costs of the financially shaky Spain and Italy surged upward as the markets digested the Cyprus news — and the broader implications for the euro currency union".

The New York Times

On the last page, a gloriously plump whalelike creature surges upward, ending the book with a surprising sense of closure: "delighted".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surging upward" to vividly describe a sharp and noticeable increase, whether in a physical or abstract sense. For example, describe prices or emotions using this phrase to convey a sense of dynamic escalation.

Common error

Be mindful of using "surging upward" when the context already implies an increase. For instance, saying "surging upward in growth" can be redundant. Simply use "surging" or "growing" for a more concise and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surging upward" functions as a dynamic verb phrase describing a movement or increase that is both rapid and forceful. As Ludwig shows, it's used to describe things escalating quickly. It typically modifies a noun, indicating its state of rapid ascension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surging upward" is a grammatically correct and relatively common verb phrase used to describe a rapid and forceful increase or ascent. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, most frequently appearing in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. While the phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, its purpose is to add emphasis to the speed and intensity of the described increase. For alternative phrasings, consider options like "rising sharply" or "increasing rapidly". Be mindful of avoiding redundancy by carefully considering whether the context already implies an increase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rising sharply

Emphasizes the steepness of the ascent or increase.

increasing rapidly

Focuses on the speed of the increase, rather than the direction.

climbing steeply

Implies a challenging ascent, often used in a literal sense.

ascending quickly

More formal and emphasizes the act of moving upwards.

skyrocketing

Indicates a very sudden and dramatic increase.

spiraling upward

Suggests a continuous and uncontrolled increase.

moving upward swiftly

Adds emphasis to the speed of the movement.

escalating rapidly

Commonly used for abstract concepts like costs or tensions.

surging ahead

Implies progress and forward movement in addition to an increase.

gaining momentum upward

Highlights the increasing force and upward trend.

FAQs

What does "surging upward" mean?

The phrase "surging upward" describes a rapid and powerful increase or rise. It's often used to depict something that is escalating quickly in a particular direction.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "surging upward"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the speed and intensity of an increase. This phrase works well for describing trends like prices, emotions, or even physical movement.

What are some alternatives to "surging upward"?

Alternatives include "rising sharply", "increasing rapidly", or "skyrocketing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "surging upward" and "surge upward"?

"Surging upward" is typically used as a continuous action (e.g., "prices are surging upward"), while "surge upward" can be used as an imperative or to describe a single event (e.g., "the water will surge upward").