conversation ensued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conversation ensued" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a discussion or dialogue took place following a particular event or statement. Example: "After the presentation, a lively conversation ensued among the attendees about the implications of the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Conversation ensued.

The New Yorker

A conversation ensued.

The New York Times

"You know, the president?" Finally, a conversation ensued.

The New York Times

A similar conversation ensued when my Westchester garden was installed.

The New York Times

A conversation ensued about how easily models get H-1B visas.

The New Yorker

A conversation ensued, and within two weeks he was given an audience with the DreamWorks maestro.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

A dramatic two-way non-conversation ensued.

The Guardian

The conversations that ensued were very misogynistic, and disgusting.

Huffington Post

When we shared our findings at DDW, we were pleased with the conversations that ensued.

Huffington Post

Despite the protest area explicitly being defined as a "black-centered space" by organizers, much of the dialogue that ensued was focused on white people, white ideologies and conversations white people may – or may not – be having at their dinner tables.

The Guardian

What a ruckus ensued!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of your writing. "Conversation ensued" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. For informal writing, consider alternatives like "they started talking".

Common error

Avoid using "conversation ensued" in very informal or casual writing. It can sound stilted or overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they started chatting" or "they began to talk" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conversation ensued" functions as a narrative device to indicate the commencement of a discussion following a specific event or interaction. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is often used in neutral to formal contexts, typically in journalistic or literary writing to establish a sequence of events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conversation ensued" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, primarily found in News & Media contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a narrative device to indicate the commencement of a discussion or dialogue following a specific event or interaction. While suitable for neutral to formal writing, it may sound stilted in informal contexts. Alternatives such as "a discussion followed" and "they had a discussion" can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. Remember to consider the tone and audience when choosing the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they had a discussion

A simple and direct way of saying a discussion took place.

a discussion followed

Focuses on the sequential aspect, emphasizing that the discussion came after something else.

a dialogue took place

Highlights the interactive nature of the conversation between two or more parties.

a discussion unfolded

Implies a gradual development or revealing of the conversation.

an exchange occurred

Emphasizes the back-and-forth nature of the communication.

words were exchanged

Focuses on the verbal aspect of the interaction.

they engaged in dialogue

Highlights active participation in the conversation.

communication transpired

A more formal way of saying that communication happened.

a chat began

Suggests a more informal and casual conversation.

talks commenced

Implies a more formal and structured conversation or negotiation.

FAQs

How can I use "conversation ensued" in a sentence?

Use "conversation ensued" to indicate that a conversation began as a result of something. For example, "After the presentation, a "conversation ensued" about the new strategy".

What can I say instead of "conversation ensued"?

You can use alternatives such as "a discussion followed", "a dialogue took place", or "they had a discussion", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "conversation ensued" formal or informal?

"Conversation ensued" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is appropriate for news articles, academic papers, and business communications. For more casual settings, consider using phrases like "they started talking".

What's the difference between "conversation ensued" and "conversation happened"?

"Conversation ensued" implies that the conversation was a direct consequence of a previous event or action, whereas "conversation happened" simply states that a conversation took place without necessarily indicating a specific cause. The first emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship.