wave of violence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wave of violence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden increase or surge in violent acts or incidents within a specific context or timeframe. Example: "The city has been struggling to cope with a wave of violence that has erupted in recent months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This wave of violence must be stopped.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They aren't reacting to a wave of violence on campus.

The New York Times

Now the wave of violence sweeping the world is reactionary".

The New York Times

The attacks were the most recent in a wave of violence, aggravating deep-rooted sectarian tensions.

The New York Times

Asked about the wave of violence against their community, two Indians lower their voices.

The Economist

Until the recent wave of violence, Colombia had enjoyed a dramatic drop in murders.

The Economist

When nearly 80% of East Timorese voters chose independence, the militiamen unleashed a wave of violence.

The Economist

But stopping the present wave of violence is what people want most urgently.

The Economist

It came in a wave of violence that took the lives of 25 Israelis.

Independent

It is the latest incident in a month-long wave of violence in Jerusalem.

Independent

Iraq is facing its most relentless wave of violence since the 2011 American military withdrawal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "wave of violence", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific region, time period, or group affected by the violence. Providing such context adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "wave of violence" as a generic term without specifying the nature or scope of the violence. Vague usage weakens the impact and may confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave of violence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a period characterized by a sudden increase in violent acts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wave of violence" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys a sudden and widespread increase in violent acts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to inform and analyze situations marked by escalating conflict. While alternatives such as "surge of violence" or "spate of violence" offer similar meanings, "wave of violence" maintains a strong presence in describing periods of heightened aggression. Remember to provide specific context when using the phrase to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge of violence

Changes "wave" to "surge", emphasizing a sudden and powerful increase.

spate of violence

Replaces "wave" with "spate", indicating a series of similar occurrences in a short period.

outbreak of violence

Substitutes "wave" with "outbreak", highlighting a sudden and widespread occurrence of violence.

escalation of violence

Focuses on the increase in intensity of violent acts.

cycle of violence

Emphasizes the recurring and cyclical nature of violent events.

increase in violence

A more general term indicating a rise in violent activities.

upsurge in violence

Similar to "surge", but may imply a more prolonged increase.

eruption of violence

Implies a sudden and forceful release of pent-up aggression.

flare-up of violence

Suggests a temporary and localized burst of violent activity.

rise in hostilities

Broader term referring to an increase in aggressive actions, not necessarily physical violence.

FAQs

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

You can use "wave of violence" to describe a sudden increase in violent incidents, as in "The city experienced a "wave of violence" after the protests began".

What phrases are similar to "wave of violence"?

Alternatives include "surge of violence", "spate of violence", or "outbreak of violence", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the increase in violence.

Is it more appropriate to say "wave of violence" or "increase in violence"?

"Wave of violence" implies a sudden and widespread occurrence, while "increase in violence" is a more general term for a rise in violent acts. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What causes a "wave of violence"?

A "wave of violence" can be triggered by various factors, including political instability, economic hardship, social unrest, or the actions of extremist groups. Each instance has its unique set of underlying causes.