ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in the wake of sb/sth

prep. phr..
C1 Advanced Oxford

prep. phr.. happening after something else, often as a result of it.

prep. phr.. occurring as a direct consequence or in the aftermath of a preceding event; frequently used in journalistic or academic contexts to link a cause to its subsequent effects.


SIMPLE

Prices rose in the wake of the fuel shortage.

CONTEXTUAL

The government introduced new safety laws in the wake of the tragic factory fire.

COMPLEX

In the wake of the global financial crisis, several major banks were forced to restructure their entire operations to avoid total collapse.

Usage

usually followed by a noun phrase representing a significant or disruptive event.

Teaching tip

explain the literal origin of a 'wake' (the track left by a boat in water) to help students visualize how one event follows closely behind another.

Pitfall

in the wake for the stormin the wake of the stormthe phrase strictly requires the preposition 'of' to connect to the following noun.

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