B2

witness a surge

To experience a sudden and large increase, often in numbers, prices, or activity.

writing-task-1Work and economyTechnology

IELTS use

Very useful in Task 1 line graphs and bar charts to describe a sharp upward trend.

Examples

  1. The period from 2010 to 2020 witnessed a surge in e-commerce sales.
  2. Many developing countries have witnessed a surge in urban population.

Collocations

witness a surge
The stock market witnessed a surge after the announcement.

Paraphrases

  • experience a sharp rise: Good alternative to 'witness a surge' in Task 1.

Common mistakes

  • witnessed a surge of population to witnessed a surge in population. The correct preposition is 'in' when referring to something that increases.

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