What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spate
Example
There has been a spate of robberies in the neighborhood. [spate: noun]
Example
The company experienced a spate of bad publicity. [spate: noun]
surge
Example
The stock market experienced a surge in prices. [surge: noun]
Example
I felt a surge of excitement when I heard the news. [surge: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surge is more commonly used than spate in everyday language. Surge is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while spate is less common and refers to a more specific type of sudden occurrence.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spate and surge?
Both spate and surge are relatively formal words, but surge is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
