In the sentence “Research on the well-being of children following voluntary migration, however, yields mixed results,” the word ‘following’ plays a key role in linking the research to its subject. To understand how ‘following’ is used here, let’s break it down.
1. The Role of ‘Following’ in English
In this context, ‘following’ is used as a preposition, meaning ‘after’ or ‘subsequent to’. It shows that the research on children’s well-being is being conducted after they have migrated voluntarily. So, the phrase ‘following voluntary migration’ refers to the time period after the migration has taken place.
2. Preposition vs. Verb: Understanding ‘Following’
It’s important to note that ‘following’ can also be used as a verb in other contexts, where it would mean to pursue or track something. However, in the context of this sentence, it is clearly used as a preposition. The use of ‘following’ helps connect the subject (children’s well-being) with the event (voluntary migration).
3. Why ‘Following’ is Used in Research Contexts
In academic and research-related writing, prepositions like ‘following’ are used to indicate temporal or causal relationships between events. By using ‘following’, the sentence clarifies that the study of children’s well-being is considered in the aftermath of the voluntary migration process.
4. More Examples of ‘Following’ Used as a Preposition
To further understand the use of ‘following’, consider these additional examples:
- ‘Following the meeting, the team decided to implement the new strategy.’
- ‘The report discusses several issues following the latest financial crisis.’
In both examples, ‘following’ is used to refer to what happens after a specific event, much like in your sentence regarding voluntary migration.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘following’ in the context of your sentence is a preposition that means ‘after’. It connects the research on children’s well-being with the event of voluntary migration, indicating that the research pertains to the time period after the migration has occurred. Understanding the role of such prepositions is crucial for reading and interpreting academic texts effectively.
コメント