a wake of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wake of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the aftermath or consequences left behind by an event, often in a negative context. Example: "The hurricane left a wake of destruction in its path, devastating homes and communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

star that is spewing out a wake of high-energy particles as it races through space.

Harvard University

It's still Lady Mary, leaving a wake of defenders more numerous than her former lovers.

The New Yorker

So is a taste for self-assertion, and a wake of bruised feelings and thwarted dreams.

The New Yorker

She approached Owens with tottering steps, trailing a wake of musky perfume and cigarette smoke.

The New Yorker

The soundtrack was put there by a dissatisfied employee, has produced a wake of murders & divorce.

The New Yorker

To exist in today's world is to leave a wake of data behind you.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

We went back to our house and had a bit of a wake with some of our supporters.

Independent

Outside, a tremulous wake of light stretched itself toward the cataractous moon.

The New Yorker

He leaves behind an impressive wake of gadgets and devices.

Agricultural and Forest Meteorology

Confidence always takes a hit in the wake of a failure.

BBC

- DOUBLE BONUS: Shotgun a beer in the wake of a "wardrobe malfunction".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wake of" to vividly describe the consequences, often negative, that follow an event or action. It adds a sense of scale and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a wake of" when describing positive or neutral outcomes. The phrase typically implies negative or disruptive consequences. For positive outcomes, consider using phrases like "a series of successes" or "a wave of enthusiasm" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wake of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe the consequences or aftermath of an event. It typically introduces a noun phrase that specifies the nature of these consequences. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wake of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the consequences or aftermath of an event. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it typically implies negative outcomes, it's essential to consider the context and choose alternative phrases like "a trail of" or "an aftermath of" when describing positive or neutral results. Therefore, using "a wake of" effectively enhances writing by vividly portraying the impact and scale of an event's consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an aftermath of

Specifically denotes the period and conditions following a significant event, often negative.

a trail of

Implies something left behind, similar to a wake, but can be more literal.

a consequence of

Directly refers to the result or effect of a prior action or event.

a result of

A general term for something that happens because of something else.

a series of

Focuses on a sequential set of occurrences rather than the impact of a single event.

a product of

Suggests that something is created or caused by something else.

a succession of

Highlights the sequential nature of events following each other.

a string of

Similar to a series but often suggests a connected sequence.

a train of

Suggests a set of linked events or consequences following a central action.

a legacy of

Emphasizes the long-lasting effects and impact of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a wake of" in a sentence?

Use "a wake of" to describe the consequences that follow an event, often implying disruption or negativity. For example, "The storm left "a wake of destruction"".

What phrases are similar to "a wake of"?

Similar phrases include "a trail of", "an aftermath of", or "a series of", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a wake of" to describe positive outcomes?

No, "a wake of" typically implies negative consequences. For positive outcomes, consider using phrases like "a series of successes" or "a wave of enthusiasm".

What's the difference between "a wake of" and "a trail of"?

"A wake of" often suggests more significant or disruptive consequences, while "a trail of" can refer to a more literal or less impactful series of events or items left behind.