waves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waves" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it to refer to the movement of water, a gesture of greeting, or metaphorically to describe fluctuations or changes. Example: "As the boat sailed away, she waved goodbye, her hand creating gentle waves in the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each of the previous waves had come in response to a profound shift in the real economy.

The Economist

Sleep came easily that night in our comfortable beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, two to an en-suite tent, lulled by the sound of the waves lapping on the beach below.

The Guardian - Travel

A cliff-top bar features thrones carved out of stone, gazing out over crashing waves next to a swimming pool perched on the edge of a sheer rock face, while steps lead down to a private sandy beach.

The Guardian - Travel

I swam towards the Italian ship but the waves were pushing me backwards whenever I got closer.

The Guardian

The official economic watchdog says that the age structure of the latest waves of mass migration is skewed to those of working age – they are mostly coming to Britain to work or study.

The Guardian

And it's just a short (but steep) walk from Flamands beach, which has magnificent waves that roll in off the reefs, clapping and hissing, and then racing up the sand in protruding fingers of surf.

The Guardian - Travel

This third collection by the Irish poet is full of luminous imagery and sometimes a gentle, almost wistful, touch, as in "Brigie": "When you smile in your sleep / I think of the seal's tail / whispering above the waves, / slipping back again into the deep".

The Guardian - Books

Self-catering chalets for two from £34, [phone], archrock.co.za With nothing but crashing waves and huge skies between you and Antarctica, you can't help but feel epic at Africa's southernmost point, Cape Agulhas, where a small monument marks the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

The Guardian - Travel

As the general election approaches, another bright young thing is aiming to make political waves in Wavertree, this time in the parliamentary constituency.

The Guardian

If aliens were to land in India today they would be greeted by a bewildering spectacle – while hordes of film buffs gather outside cinemas to see the latest Bollywood blockbuster, an angry mob waves saffron-coloured flags and calls for the arrest of the movie's hero for allegedly defaming Hinduism.

The Guardian - Film

Sundown, some drinks, a colonial-era hotel with fans cooling a terrace, waves crashing on the nearby beach, a group of British diplomats, a minister – and a 34-year-old businessman called Adam Werritty.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In metaphorical contexts, employ "waves" to illustrate recurring patterns or emotional surges, adding depth and complexity to your narrative or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "wave" when referring to multiple instances of water movements or metaphorical events. Always ensure the noun's form aligns with the intended quantity: use "wave" for a singular instance and "waves" for multiple or continuous occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "waves" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of a wave, whether in a literal sense (e.g., ocean waves) or a metaphorical sense (e.g., waves of emotion). Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage, from crashing ocean waves to metaphorical waves of change or feeling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Travel

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "waves" functions primarily as a plural noun, denoting multiple instances of undulating movements, whether literal or metaphorical. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound across a broad spectrum of contexts. Demonstrating its versatility, "waves" frequently appears in News & Media and Travel-related content, carrying a neutral register appropriate for diverse audiences. While alternatives like "sea surges" or "fluctuations" offer nuanced expressions, understanding the specific context ensures precise communication. Remember to maintain correct singular/plural agreement, using "wave" for single instances and "waves" for multiple occurrences. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively harness the expressive power of "waves" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sea surges

Focuses specifically on the forceful movement of the sea, highlighting the intensity and potential danger.

tidal flows

Emphasizes the regular, cyclical movement of tides, connected to gravitational forces.

undulating motions

Highlights the rhythmic up-and-down movement, applicable beyond just water.

rolling waters

Evokes a gentler, continuous movement of water, lacking the force implied by "waves".

fluctuations

Shifts the focus to changes or variations in a broader sense, not necessarily physical.

oscillations

Highlights repetitive back-and-forth movements, often in a scientific context.

periods of change

Broadens the meaning to encompass any kind of transitional phases or shifts.

series of events

Emphasizes the sequential nature of occurrences, rather than their wavy nature.

cascading effects

Highlights a ripple effect, where one event triggers a series of subsequent events.

growing trends

Focuses on the development and spread of a particular pattern or phenomenon.

FAQs

How can I use "waves" in a sentence?

"Waves" can be used to describe the physical movement of water, such as "The ship battled against the high "waves"". It can also be used metaphorically to describe a series of events or emotions, such as "Waves of nostalgia washed over me as I looked through old photos".

What's the difference between "waves" and "wave"?

"Wave" is the singular form, referring to a single instance of a wave, while "waves" is the plural form, referring to multiple waves or a continuous phenomenon. For example, "A large wave crashed on the shore" versus "The beach was pounded by "waves"".

What are some synonyms for "waves" when describing the sea?

When describing the sea, you can use synonyms like "sea surges", "tidal flows", or "rolling waters" to add variety to your descriptions.

Can "waves" be used to describe things other than water?

Yes, "waves" can be used metaphorically to describe various phenomena. For example, "Waves of change swept through the industry" or "She experienced "waves of emotion" after hearing the news".