there was a spate of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there was a spate of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sudden or large number of events or occurrences happening in a short period of time. Example: "There was a spate of burglaries in the neighborhood last month, alarming the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

There was a spate of such letters.

The New Yorker

At one time there was a spate of disabled detectives.

The Guardian - Books

Within the Pentagon, there was a spate of fingerpointing last week.

The New Yorker

And as the year drew to a close, there was a spate of hunger strikes.

The New York Times

Last summer, there was a spate of "Google makes you stupid" headlines.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When Elijah Muhammad died there was a spate of murders in the battle for succession.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

A year later, there is a spate of child abductions, and suddenly the front yard seems the most dangerous place in the universe.

The New York Times

There is a spate of flotations planned so that these businesses can cut their debt.

The Economist

The accusations are vindicated, but there are a spate of furious cancellations, including from "Mr and Mrs Denis Thatcher" of Chelsea.

The Guardian

There is a spate of residential projects planned in the West 50's, mainly on or off Eighth and Ninth Avenues, industry professionals said.

The New York Times

Then there's Subramanian Swamy, a recent entrant to the B.J.P. best remembered for calling for Muslims to be disenfranchised: "Need to probe why there is a spate of allegations against Asaram Bapu.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there was a spate of" to indicate a sudden and noticeable increase in the occurrence of something, whether positive or negative. Be specific about what the spate refers to, providing context for clarity.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "there was a spate of" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to maintain a sophisticated tone. For example, use "a significant increase in" or "a marked rise in" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there was a spate of" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate a sudden or numerous occurrence of something within a limited timeframe. It suggests that multiple similar events happened in close proximity. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there was a spate of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a sudden increase in the occurrence of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. While very common across various contexts, as evidenced by many examples, it is especially prevalent in news and media. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what the “spate” refers to, and consider alternatives like "there was a surge of" or "there was a wave of" for nuanced meaning. Although typically acceptable, strive for more precise wording in highly formal documents to maintain a professional and polished tone. Remember that "there was a spate of" serves to emphasize a recent and notable trend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there was a surge of

Indicates a sudden increase or rush of something, often used for things that rise rapidly.

there was a burst of

Suggests a sudden and energetic release or outbreak of something.

there was a wave of

Implies a widespread and impactful occurrence affecting many people or areas.

there was a flurry of

Describes a brief period of intense activity or excitement.

there was an outbreak of

Commonly used for diseases or negative occurrences that spread rapidly.

there was a rash of

Often used in a negative context to describe a series of undesirable events.

there was a series of

A more neutral way of describing a sequence of events, without necessarily implying a sudden increase.

there was a cluster of

Emphasizes a grouping or concentration of occurrences in a specific area or time.

there was a chain of

Highlights a sequence of events linked together, where one leads to another.

there was an epidemic of

Implies a widespread and difficult-to-control increase, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "there was a spate of" in a sentence?

Use "there was a spate of" to indicate that many similar things happened in a short period. For instance, "There was a spate of robberies in the neighborhood last month." or "There was a spate of new product announcements at the conference".

What can I say instead of "there was a spate of"?

You can use alternatives like "there was a surge of", "there was a burst of", or "there was a wave of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "there was a series of" or "there was a spate of"?

"There was a spate of" implies a sudden and relatively large number of occurrences, whereas "there was a series of" simply suggests a sequence of events without the implication of a sudden increase. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "there was a flood of" and "there was a spate of"?

"There was a flood of" implies an overwhelming abundance or influx, while "there was a spate of" indicates numerous events happening in quick succession. The key difference lies in whether the focus is on quantity or timing.