in its wake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in its wake" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase means "as a result of something that has happened". For example, "The pandemic left a wave of economic and social unrest in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the massive star explodes, it can leave a black hole in its wake.

Science Magazine

It is an idea with corpses in its wake.

Huffington Post

As polar ice retreated in 2012, it left evidence of large algal deposits in its wake.

Science Magazine

It is a strategy that leaves tons of electronic junk in its wake.

The Economist

In its wake, buildings soared.

The Guardian

Rabaa trailed revenge in its wake.

The Guardian

The Svanï Terrace rumbled in its wake.

The New Yorker

Asia and Europe were pulled back up in its wake.

The Economist

This program, too, left trouble in its wake.

The New York Times

The war, though over, had left change in its wake.

The New York Times

Increased consumption could also bring benefits in its wake.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in its wake" to vividly describe the consequences or effects that directly follow a significant event or action. This phrase is effective when emphasizing the impact of something that has already occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "in its wake" for effects that are only loosely related or distantly caused by the initial event. The phrase implies a direct and immediate connection between cause and effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in its wake" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the consequences or results following an event. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in its wake" effectively illustrates the immediate and direct consequences of an event, action, or phenomenon. It's deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI and is quite common across diverse contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is often employed to emphasize lasting impact. When using "in its wake", ensure the described consequences are directly and immediately linked to the initial event. Alternatives like "as a result" or "in the aftermath" can be used depending on the desired nuance. In conclusion, "in its wake" is a versatile and potent phrase for highlighting the ripple effects of significant occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a consequence

Indicates a direct result or effect of something, similar to "in its wake" but more general.

as a result

Similar to "as a consequence", emphasizing the outcome of a preceding action or event.

in consequence

A more formal way of saying "as a consequence", indicating a logical result.

following on from that

Suggests a sequence of events where the second event is caused by the first, similar to "in its wake".

in the aftermath

Refers specifically to the period following a significant event, often implying negative consequences.

resulting from

Emphasizes the causal relationship between an action and its outcome, similar to "in its wake".

subsequently

Highlights the temporal sequence, indicating something that happens after an initial event.

on the heels of

Suggests that something follows closely after another event, often with a sense of urgency or immediacy.

because of that

A more direct and simple way to express causality, equivalent to "in its wake" in certain contexts.

due to that

Similar to "because of that", indicating the cause of a particular outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "in its wake" to describe the direct consequences or results that follow an event. For example: "The hurricane left widespread destruction "in its wake"."

What can I say instead of "in its wake"?

You can use alternatives like "as a consequence", "as a result", or "in the aftermath" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "leave destruction in its wake"?

Yes, "leave destruction in its wake" is a common and correct usage of the phrase, indicating that something caused widespread damage or devastation.

What's the difference between "in its wake" and "in the aftermath"?

"In its wake" emphasizes the immediate and direct consequences following an event, while "in the aftermath" refers to the period of time after a significant event, often implying a longer-term recovery or adjustment.