wave of people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wave of people" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large group of individuals moving together, often in a specific direction or for a common purpose. Example: "As the concert began, a wave of people surged toward the stage, eager to get a closer view of the performers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But then the second wave of people appear.

Independent

On Thursday afternoon, the wave of people headed inland again.

The New Yorker

Almost immediately the first wave of people arrived.

The Guardian

It would create a tidal wave of people thinking differently.

The Guardian - Music

The United States has absorbed wave upon wave of people who fit that exact definition.

The New York Times

But her visit is complicated by the latest wave of people displaced in northern Aleppo.

Independent

You are going to go through this wave of people leaving Google.

The New Yorker

"It was very moving," Srinivasan said of the wave of people who spoke at the hearing.

The Guardian

"The first wave of people taken up by galleries were all boys.

The Guardian

He cited "wars, migrants, and the wave of people that are fleeing wars and fleeing death".

The Guardian

"There's also a huge wave of people who want to reconnect.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wave of people" to describe a large group moving together, especially when emphasizing the force or impact of their movement. For example, "A "wave of people" rushed towards the stage when the band began to play."

Common error

Avoid using "wave of people" too frequently in the same piece of writing. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "crowd", "influx", or "surge" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave of people" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes a large group moving collectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wave of people" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe a large group of individuals moving together. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, and academia, the phrase conveys a sense of momentum and scale. While "wave of people" is widely accepted, exploring alternatives like "surge of individuals" or "influx of people" can enhance writing by adding precision or avoiding repetition. It’s best practice to avoid overusing the metaphor and consider the specific imagery you wish to evoke.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge of individuals

Replaces "wave" with "surge", emphasizing the forceful and sudden movement.

influx of people

Suggests a large number arriving into a place, implying an increase in population.

throng of people

Implies a densely packed crowd, emphasizing closeness and density.

mass of people

Highlights the sheer size and quantity of the group.

stream of people

Emphasizes a continuous flow or movement of individuals.

horde of people

Suggests a large, uncontrolled, and possibly threatening group.

multitude of people

Emphasizes a very large number, often with a formal or literary tone.

assembly of people

Suggests a more organized or purposeful gathering.

body of people

Implies a unified group with a common purpose or characteristic.

company of people

Suggests a group gathered for a shared activity or purpose.

FAQs

What does "wave of people" mean?

The phrase "wave of people" refers to a large group of individuals moving together, often in a manner that suggests a surge or flow, similar to a wave of water. It can describe a physical movement or a metaphorical trend.

What can I say instead of "wave of people"?

You can use alternatives like "surge of individuals", "influx of people", or "throng of people" depending on the context.

Is "wave of people" a formal or informal expression?

"Wave of people" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "influx of people" might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

How to use "wave of people" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "As the doors opened, a "wave of people" flooded into the stadium." Another example: "The city experienced a "wave of people" moving in after the tech company announced its new headquarters."