an aftermath

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an aftermath" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the consequences or results that follow an event, particularly a significant or traumatic one. Example: "The aftermath of the hurricane left the town in ruins, with many families displaced and in need of assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An area of burned forest, an aftermath of the lava flow.

Huffington Post

"Marker" is an aftermath novel.

The New York Times - Books

What is the shape of an aftermath?

Columbia University

Ms. Loulaki's "Untitled" unfolds like an aftermath.

The New York Times - Arts

The Aftermath Project is itself an aftermath of sorts.

The New York Times

Usually, an aftermath of confusion and competition worsen the damage.

The New York Times

The subject injury occurred as an aftermath of the pass play.

Harvard University

Instead of resolution, an aftermath might encompass reverberations or echoes aftershock.

Columbia University

The Paris Opera and the Opera Comique are closed as an aftermath of the recent strike.

The New Yorker

"That's probably an aftermath of trauma, but I don't want to medicalize it too much.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was a harsh week in the U. N.-an aftermath of bad faith & failed responsibilities.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone you want to convey. "An aftermath" often implies negative or significant consequences, so choose your words carefully to avoid unintended connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "an aftermath" for trivial events. This phrase suggests a significant impact or broad consequences, not minor or isolated incidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an aftermath" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it refers to the consequences or results following a significant event. Examples show it describing the period after a trauma or disaster.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an aftermath" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the consequences or period following a significant event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating a broad applicability. While the phrase generally carries a neutral tone, its usage often implies negative or substantial consequences. When using "an aftermath", ensure the context clearly establishes the preceding event to avoid ambiguity and consider alternatives like "a consequence" or "a result" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the after-effects

Similar to "aftermath", but emphasizes the lingering or long-term effects.

a consequence

Replaces "aftermath" with a more general term for a result or effect.

a result

Similar to "consequence", but focuses on the outcome of an event.

a repercussion

Emphasizes the indirect or unexpected consequences of an event.

a fallout

Highlights the negative or disruptive consequences of an event.

the wake

Suggests the disturbances or changes left behind by an event.

the upshot

Focuses on the final or decisive result of a series of events.

the chain of events

Implies that an event led to a connected series of consequences.

a succeeding period

Replaces "aftermath" by a generic temporal definition of what follows.

what followed

A more general expression indicating the events or conditions that came after.

FAQs

How can I use "an aftermath" in a sentence?

You can use "an aftermath" to describe the period or consequences following a significant event. For example, "The city struggled to recover in "the aftermath" of the earthquake."

What can I say instead of "an aftermath"?

You can use alternatives like "a consequence", "a result", or "a repercussion" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "aftermath" without the article "an"?

Yes, "aftermath" can be used without the article "an" as well, especially when referring to the general state of affairs following an event. For example, "The aftermath of the storm was devastating".

What's the difference between "an aftermath" and "the aftermath"?

"An aftermath" refers to one specific instance or aspect of the consequences, while "the aftermath" usually refers to the overall period and all the consequences collectively.