wave of protests

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'wave of protests' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase when referring to a series of events that caused protests or a large number of protests happening simultaneously. For example: "The wave of protests that took place in response to the new legislation has been met with strong resistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neda joined the first wave of protests.

The Guardian

A wave of protests struck Algeria, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan.

The New York Times

His acquittal sparked a wave of protests in the town.

Independent

Defining where the wave of protests started is hard.

The Economist

This news brought, in turn, another wave of protests.

The Guardian

In late December, a wave of protests swept across Iran.

The New York Times

The series attracted a wave of protests from irate viewers and even government officials.

The New York Times

Next year looks more challenging.The Arequipa riots were part of a broader wave of protests.

The Economist

The comments were removed after a wave of protests on social media.

Independent

"They managed to put down the wave of protests for some time," he said.

The New York Times

He was the second to die in the latest wave of protests.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wave of protests" when describing a series of related demonstrations that occur within a specific time frame or geographic area to highlight the momentum and scale of collective action.

Common error

Avoid using "wave of protests" to describe a single, isolated protest event. This phrase implies a series of interconnected demonstrations, not a one-time occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave of protests" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a period characterized by numerous demonstrations or acts of public dissent. Ludwig examples showcase diverse contexts where this phrase is applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wave of protests" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that describes a series of related demonstrations. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as academic contexts, to characterize periods of significant public dissent. While similar phrases like "surge of demonstrations" or "series of demonstrations" exist, "wave of protests" effectively conveys the widespread and interconnected nature of such events. It's crucial to use the phrase accurately, applying it to multiple, related protests rather than isolated incidents, to maintain clarity and precision in your writing. With a strong presence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, its usage demonstrates its reliability and acceptance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge of demonstrations

Emphasizes the sudden and powerful increase in demonstrations.

series of demonstrations

Highlights the sequential nature of the demonstrations.

outbreak of protests

Suggests a sudden and widespread occurrence of protests.

upsurge in protests

Focuses on the increase in protest activity.

rash of demonstrations

Implies a negative or undesirable quick succession of demonstrations.

tide of protests

Uses a metaphor to describe the protests as an overwhelming force.

spate of demonstrations

Indicates a large number of demonstrations occurring in a short period.

flood of protests

Emphasizes the overwhelming quantity of protests.

groundswell of protests

Suggests that the protests are rising from the general public.

storm of protests

Implies a turbulent and chaotic period of protesting activity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "wave of protests" in a sentence?

Use "wave of protests" to describe a series of demonstrations that share a common cause or occur in response to a specific event. For example, "The government's new policies sparked a "wave of protests" across the country".

What are some alternatives to "wave of protests"?

You can use alternatives such as "surge of demonstrations", "series of demonstrations", or "outbreak of protests" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "wave of protests" and a single protest?

Yes. A ""wave of protests"" refers to multiple, related protests, while a single protest is an isolated event. The former suggests a larger, more sustained movement.

When is it appropriate to use "groundswell of protests" instead of "wave of protests"?

"Groundswell of protests" is best used when the protests originate from a broad, grassroots movement, implying widespread public support and participation. It suggests a more organic and less centrally organized form of protest.