a wake of devastation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wake of devastation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the aftermath or consequences of a destructive event or situation. Example: "The hurricane left a wake of devastation across the coastal towns, with homes destroyed and lives disrupted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At a recent Washington DC gala, National Council of La Raza (NCLR) President Janet Murguia tagged Obama with the "Deporter" label and said his immigration enforcement policy "leaves behind it a wake of devastation for families across America".

Huffington Post

Lessons of the tsunami NEW YORK, USA, 23 December 2008 – The 2004 tsunami left a wake of devastation that stretched across the Indian Ocean.

Unicef

By Jane O'Brien NEW YORK, USA, 23 December 2008 – The 2004 tsunami left a wake of devastation that stretched across the Indian Ocean.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In the wake of devastation in New York (the aftermath of the ending to Joss Whedon's film "The Avengers," from 2012), Adrian Toomes Michael Keatonn), a local contractor, is fulfilling a government deal for the removal of debris.

The New Yorker

In the wake of devastation, especially that wrought by humans, often come feelings of guilt and regret, said Dr. Danieli, a founder of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, who has worked with survivors in Rwanda and Argentina, and other experts on the psychological impact of trauma.

The New York Times - Science

In the wake of devastation, they recognized that if human rights are not protected, peace is a hollow promise.

Forbes

In its elemental form, fire leaves wreckage where once there was order and harmony; however, it also serves the purpose of providing space for new growth in the wake of devastation.

Huffington Post

While Staten Islanders may be certain they're being shortchanged, some experts say this level of aggravation is just a common response in the wake of such devastation.

Huffington Post

Despite some excellent cinematography and a stylish, sepia-toned vision of America in the wake of nuclear devastation, The Book of Eli is hampered by faith-based sermonising and at least two ham-fisted final act twists, which most viewers will have spotted coming a mile off.

The Guardian - Film

In the wake of his devastation Powell still ran like a dream - and his supremacy was seemingly exemplified by the fact that, after breaking his own world record last September, he had run the six fastest 100m in history.

The Guardian - Sport

In the wake of the devastation the American public would demand that the government protect them at all costs.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wake of devastation" to vividly describe the consequences of large-scale destructive events, such as natural disasters or significant policy changes. This phrase adds emotional weight and emphasizes the wide-ranging impact.

Common error

Refrain from using "a wake of devastation" for trivial matters. This phrase is most effective when describing truly significant and impactful events; overuse can dilute its power and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wake of devastation" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and is used to vividly describe the aftermath of a destructive event or situation. Similar examples found by Ludwig confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wake of devastation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the extensive and profound consequences of destructive events. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to evoke the scale and severity of the impact, adding emotional weight to the description. While relatively rare, the phrase appears in neutral to formal contexts, such as news reports and formal analyses. Its frequency is highest in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts. When using this phrase, writers should aim to describe significant and impactful events to avoid diluting its power, as overuse in trivial situations can diminish its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aftermath of destruction

Emphasizes the period following a destructive event.

trail of destruction

Highlights the path and scope of the damage.

legacy of ruin

Focuses on the long-lasting impact of the destruction.

sea of wreckage

Uses a metaphor to describe the extent of the devastation.

consequences of disaster

Highlights the resulting effects of a calamitous event.

reverberations of catastrophe

Focuses on the far-reaching effects of a catastrophic event.

imprint of devastation

Emphasizes the lasting mark left by the destruction.

tide of destruction

Implies a sweeping and overwhelming destructive force.

specter of desolation

Focuses on the bleak and empty state left behind.

echoes of disaster

Highlights the continuing impact and reminders of a past disaster.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wake of devastation" to describe the aftermath of a destructive event. For example, "The hurricane left "a wake of devastation" along the coast."

What are some alternatives to "a wake of devastation"?

Alternatives include "aftermath of destruction", "trail of destruction", or "legacy of ruin", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a wake of devastation" in a business context?

Yes, it can be appropriate, particularly when discussing the impact of significant market shifts or policy changes. However, ensure the context warrants such strong language.

What is the difference between "a wake of devastation" and "a scene of devastation"?

"A wake of devastation" refers to the consequences or aftermath, while "a scene of devastation" describes a specific location or view that shows destruction. The former is about impact over time/area, the latter about a single moment/place.