wave of relief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wave of relief" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about a feeling of relief that washes over someone in a wave-like manner. For example, "John experienced a wave of relief when he got the news that his business idea had been approved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

A wave of relief swept over us.

The New Yorker

Then came a wave of relief: I didn't need I.D.

The New Yorker

J'adore ça," Elbaz exclaimed, and a wave of relief washed over the room.

The New Yorker

I took a deep breath and a wave of relief washed over me.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, neither a dramatic airlift nor a steady wave of relief was in the cards.

The New York Times

True, it's a huge wave of relief that washes over you.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

They were surprised as waves of relief swept over them.

The New York Times

After initial waves of relief, Washington State began to come to grips with the damage unleashed by the earthquake.

The New York Times

SWIFT defeat of the West Side Boys, a rag-tag group of rebels, by one of the world's most professional armies, should not have been unexpected but it still sent waves of relief through Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown.

The Economist

HOUSTON — Waves of relief rather than water washed over the oil patch after Hurricane Gustav's punch appeared to be much less powerful than those of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina three years ago.

The New York Times

The waves of relief that had washed over me in the delivery room when I heard Stacy's cry crashed on my abdomen like a punch in the gut.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "wave of relief" to effectively depict a sudden and intense feeling of comfort or liberation after a stressful or challenging situation. It adds emotional depth and vividness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "wave of relief" to describe mild or insignificant situations. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the relief experienced is substantial and emotionally impactful, not for minor inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave of relief" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI suggests it describes a sudden and intense feeling. For example, "A wave of relief washed over me."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wave of relief" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to depict a sudden and intense feeling of comfort and release. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. With a neutral register, this phrase is frequently found in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts. When using "wave of relief", remember that it's most effective when describing significant emotional experiences, and consider alternatives like "surge of comfort" or "rush of alleviation" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge of comfort

Replaces "relief" with "comfort", suggesting a focus on emotional ease.

rush of alleviation

Substitutes "wave" with "rush" and "relief" with "alleviation", creating a more intense and formal tone.

feeling of reassurance

Highlights the comforting aspect, emphasizing the reduction of anxiety.

sense of deliverance

Focuses on being freed from something, shifting the emphasis from the feeling to the state of being.

influx of ease

Replaces "wave" with "influx", suggesting a gradual flow rather than a sudden surge.

ebb of tension

Describes the decrease of stress, shifting the focus from positive feeling to the diminishing negative one.

moment of calm

Focuses on the tranquility experienced, rather than the relief from something negative.

outburst of joy

Emphasizes the emotional expression, suggesting a more overt display of happiness.

period of respite

Indicates a temporary break from difficulty, rather than a specific emotional response.

sigh of contentment

Conveys a quiet satisfaction, rather than an overwhelming feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "wave of relief" in a sentence?

You can use "wave of relief" to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of comfort or release from anxiety, such as: "A "wave of relief" washed over her when she learned she passed the exam."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "wave of relief"?

Some alternatives include "surge of comfort", "rush of alleviation", or "feeling of reassurance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "wave of relief" in formal writing?

Yes, "wave of relief" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is a widely understood and accepted expression. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "wave of relief" and "sigh of relief"?

"Wave of relief" describes a more intense and overwhelming feeling, while "sigh of relief" suggests a quieter, more subdued sense of easing. The former is often used for significant events, while the latter can be used for minor instances.