swell

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "swell" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as an adjective to describe something that is growing in size or a feeling of pride or happiness. Example sentence: I felt a swell of pride after receiving such positive news.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Climbing out to one of the lookout points for a surf check we look through a small gap in the beachside trees to a view revealing the dark bumps of the swell.

The Guardian - Travel

Illegal settlements - including nagars (settlements by non-indigenous people), padas (tribal settlements) and high-rise buildings - continue to swell in and around the park.

The Guardian

Most will know that the vessel they are being herded into stands at best an even chance in the robust Mediterranean swell.

The Guardian

"I try not to watch it that much," she says, her voice muted by the swell of the room, "because I think of all my elderly that's been taken away … it changed our cycle of life and how we live".

The Guardian - Film

Updated at 11.38am BST Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.15am BST11 15 Cav speaks Some quotes in from Mark Cavendish, who confirmed this morning that he'll play no further part in this year's Tour: "After yesterday's checks, I was hoping that the shoulder would swell down, but it was not the case, unfortunately.

The Guardian - Sport

The world's population is now odds-on to swell ever-higher for the rest of the century, posing grave challenges for food supplies, healthcare and social cohesion.

The Guardian

Pineda wasn't alone in being an unfamiliar face on the field for any of the casual MLS fans who showed up to swell the crowd on Saturday, but after last week's collapse by the stars, they got to taste "the leftovers" taking Seattle back to the top of the standings.

The Guardian - Sport

Dame Judi Dench, who was M in the Bond movies, must be a cert for Philomena, the British road movie written by and co-starring Steve Coogan, for which Harvey Weinstein parted with $6m after seeing just a seven-minute showreel at Cannes, clearly scenting a movie that will swell his Oscar cabinet.

The Guardian - Film

Caley Thistle's subsequent charge through the senior leagues has not been replicated by a swell of support in their home city, a factor not lost on those inside the club.

The Guardian - Sport

Only a few decades back top sides headed for the English riviera, and played teams such as Exeter, Plymouth or Torquay in the hope of picking up a few holidaymakers to swell the crowd.

The Guardian - Sport

It is too soon to be sure if their post-referendum rally will be sustained, but a real rout could swell their ranks to 40 or 50 MPs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing ocean conditions, use "swell" to denote a series of waves that persist even after the wind has stopped, indicating a powerful energy transfer.

Common error

While "swell" can mean excellent or fashionable, avoid using it too casually in formal writing. In modern contexts, this usage might sound dated or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swell" is as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it often denotes a surge or increase. As a verb, it signifies the action of growing larger. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatile application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "swell" is a versatile term that functions primarily as a noun and a verb, denoting growth or increase. Its usage is widespread across diverse contexts, from news reporting to scientific discourse. While generally considered grammatically correct, remember that its adjectival use meaning "good" can sound dated in modern contexts. Ludwig's analysis, incorporating numerous examples, confirms its consistent use in describing both physical and emotional expansion. This guide provides insights into "swell's" nuances, offering related phrases, practical writing guidance, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you use it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase

Replaces "swell" by focusing on the action of becoming larger in number or size.

expand

Similar to "swell", but emphasizes the process of spreading out or extending in scope.

grow

A general term indicating a gradual increase in size, number, or intensity.

rise

Indicates an upward movement or increase in level or amount.

surge

Suggests a sudden and powerful increase.

balloon

Implies a rapid increase, often to an excessive degree.

inflate

Similar to "balloon", but can also refer to an increase in price or value.

accumulate

Focuses on the gradual collection or gathering of something.

mushroom

Describes a rapid and widespread growth, often unexpected.

proliferate

Emphasizes a rapid increase in number, often used in biological contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "swell" in a sentence?

You can use "swell" to describe something that is increasing in size or intensity, as in "The river began to "swell" after the heavy rains". It can also describe a feeling, such as "A "swell" of pride rose in her heart".

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

"Swell" often implies a gradual and sometimes forceful expansion, while "increase" is a more general term for becoming larger or greater. "Swell" can also carry emotional connotations, like a surge of feeling, which "increase" typically lacks.

Which is correct, "a swell of pride" or "a surge of pride"?

Both "a "swell of pride"" and "a "surge of pride"" are correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. "Swell" suggests a gradual building of emotion, whereas "surge" indicates a sudden, powerful rush.

What can I say instead of "swell" when describing an increase?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "expand", "grow", "rise", or "increase" to describe something becoming larger or more intense.