in the wake of

Because of an event and the changes or problems it has caused.

• Prices rose in the wake of the shortage.
• The minister resigned in the wake of the scandal.
• New safety rules appeared in the wake of several accidents.

How to use it: in the wake of something (Security improved in the wake of the attack.)

Similar words: because of, as a result of

Common phrases: in the wake of something, in the wake of attacks

After an event, especially an important or difficult one.

• Help arrived in the wake of the flood.
• Many families moved in the wake of the war.
• The city slowly recovered in the wake of the earthquake.

How to use it: in the wake of something (Volunteers arrived in the wake of the storm.)

Similar words: after, following

Opposites: before

Common phrases: in the wake of something, in the wake of war

In the moving water that a boat leaves behind it.

• We floated in the wake of the boat.
• Small waves formed in the wake of the ship.
• The swimmer struggled in the wake of a passing ferry.

How to use it: in the wake of a boat/ship (Foam spread in the wake of the ferry.)

Common phrases: in the wake of something, in the wake of ships