wave upon wave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wave upon wave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous or overwhelming series of events, actions, or phenomena, often evoking a sense of rhythm or repetition. Example: "The ocean crashed against the shore, wave upon wave, creating a mesmerizing spectacle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The investigator said, "An association with the accused is totally toxic now, with this wave upon wave upon wave, and Soviet Union-style erasure".

The New Yorker

In the big action scenes sharkskin-suited triad killers surge toward the camera in wave upon wave upon wave like an angry sea.

The New York Times

Rarely touching the ball, Leicester were battered by wave upon wave of home attacks.

The Guardian - Sport

For Jager, farms are "scenic islands of green encircled by wave upon wave of predatory forests".

The New York Times - Books

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

The New York Times

The last months, however, have brought wave upon wave of negative publicity.

The New York Times

As Game 5 ended, wave upon wave of red, white and blue confetti fell from the Palace rafters.

The New York Times - Sports

For executive help, he regularly recruits at Ivy League universities and gets wave upon wave of eager, cheap brainpower.

The New York Times

No longer a crowd of agonized souls, the chorus joined together in wave upon wave of ecstatic sound.

The New Yorker

On 31 October, wave upon wave of British and French bombers swept down upon the Egyptian coast.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As many people in the western world pay closer attention to what goes into their bodies, labels, nutrition facts, and wave-upon-wave of fashionable celebrity diets are here to stay.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wave upon wave" to effectively describe overwhelming or repetitive sequences of events, emotions, or actions. It adds emphasis and a sense of magnitude to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "wave upon wave" in contexts where a simpler description would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic. Choose clarity and precision over embellishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave upon wave" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to emphasize the repetitive and overwhelming nature of an action or event. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

15%

Arts

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wave upon wave" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression in English, functioning as an adverbial phrase to emphasize repetition and intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides ample examples from reputable sources. While generally neutral in register, it is most commonly found in news, sports, and arts contexts. To enhance your writing, use it to effectively describe overwhelming or repetitive sequences, but avoid overuse in simpler descriptions. Consider alternatives like "successive waves" or "relentless succession" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeated surge

Focuses on the sudden and powerful increase, emphasizing the fluctuating intensity of the events.

successive waves

Focuses on the sequential aspect, emphasizing the following nature of the occurrences rather than their intensity.

constant barrage

Implies a forceful and overwhelming attack or influx, emphasizing the intensity and impact.

relentless succession

Highlights the continuous and unstoppable nature of the events, emphasizing the lack of pauses.

iterative onslaught

Conveys a sense of repeated and forceful attacks, highlighting the aggressive and relentless nature.

ceaseless flow

Highlights the uninterrupted movement, suggesting a steady and continuous progression without breaks.

continuous stream

Emphasizes the unbroken flow, suggesting a more fluid and less forceful progression.

endless series

Stresses the seemingly infinite nature of the sequence, highlighting its prolonged duration.

nonstop cascade

Emphasizes the downward rush, suggesting a rapid and overwhelming sequence of events.

unending procession

Stresses the formal and orderly sequence, suggesting a steady and continuous movement forward.

FAQs

How can I use "wave upon wave" in a sentence?

The phrase "wave upon wave" is used to describe a continuous or overwhelming series of something. For example, "The company faced "wave upon wave" of criticism after the product launch".

What are some alternatives to "wave upon wave"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "successive waves", "relentless succession", or "continuous stream".

Is it grammatically correct to say "wave upon wave"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "wave upon wave" is a recognized and commonly used expression in English to denote repetition or intensity.

In what contexts is "wave upon wave" most appropriate?

The phrase is particularly effective in describing events, emotions, or actions that occur in a continuous and overwhelming manner. It's often used in news reporting, sports commentary, and artistic writing to convey a sense of magnitude and repetition.