ensue

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'ensue' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb that means 'to follow or occur as a consequence'. Example sentence: The stock market crash ensued after the company reported dismal earnings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The next president must have at least 70% of the population backing him, otherwise political divisions will ensue just like last time.

The Guardian

The story's pretty much the same, of course – criminals posing as musicians in a little old lady's guesthouse, as they plot a bank job; little old lady finds the loot; duplicity and betrayals and deaths ensue, just not in the way you'd think.

The Guardian

The story is straightforward: boy builds snowman; snowman comes to life; charming high-jinks ensue; snowman melts.

The Guardian - Books

Shocks, absurd twists and viewer boredom swiftly ensue.

The Guardian - Film

Alas, the conversation they hoped for did not ensue.

The Guardian

If you turn one around, arguments will ensue.

The Guardian

Where two front-rank MPs neighbour each other, such as Labour's Ed Balls and Hilary Benn, a fierce face-off could ensue for a precious seat.The mess does not end there.

The Economist

Britain has only a limited experience of hung parliaments; of the wrangling and protracted period of transition that may now ensue; and of minority government, the probable outcome.

The Economist

The most he is prepared to promise is that he will avoid the tax increases he claims will ensue from Mr Brown's profligacy.Softly, softlyThe chancellor is convinced that this is not what voters want to hear at least not yet.

The Economist

S&P did not lower America's top-tier AAA rating on April 18th; it assigned it a negative outlook a threat that if debt remains on its present course, a downgrade will ensue.

The Economist

If not, an economic disaster might ensue".In this section Crash course Explaining the schools briefs Reprints.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "ensue" with nouns that represent events or processes, such as 'chaos', 'confusion', 'debate', 'conflict', or 'disaster', to effectively highlight the consequential relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "ensue" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Alternatives like "happen next" or "result" are often more appropriate and natural in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The word "ensue" functions as an intransitive verb, indicating that something will happen or follow as a consequence of a particular action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, demonstrating its role in connecting causes and effects within a narrative or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ensue" is a versatile verb used to denote that something follows or occurs as a consequence, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts according to Ludwig's analysis, it carries a neutral register suitable for formal writing. While grammatically correct, it's best to reserve "ensue" for situations where you want to emphasize the sequential relationship between events, and avoid it in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "follow" or "result" for less formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow

Emphasizes a direct sequence or consequence, similar to "ensue" but more general.

result

Focuses on the outcome or effect of an action, akin to "ensue" in highlighting consequences.

arise

Suggests the beginning or emergence of something as a result, resembling the consequential nature of "ensue".

develop

Highlights the progression or unfolding of events, similar to the temporal aspect of "ensue".

happen

Indicates an occurrence or event, sharing the sense of something taking place after another, similar to "ensue".

occur

Implies an event taking place, paralleling "ensue" in denoting something that happens subsequently.

transpire

Conveys the idea of something coming to pass or being revealed, akin to the unfolding nature of "ensue".

supervene

Indicates something that follows closely or immediately, resembling the sequential nature of "ensue".

come about

Suggests how something has taken place as consequence of something else, similar to "ensue".

take place

Emphasizes the action of something happening in a specific order, similar to "ensue".

FAQs

How to use "ensue" in a sentence?

"Ensue" means to happen or occur afterward as a result. For example, "If the negotiations fail, a conflict might "ensue"".

What can I say instead of "ensue"?

You can use alternatives like "follow", "result", or "arise" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ensue" or "insue"?

"Ensue" is the correct spelling. "Insue" is not a recognized word in English.

What's the difference between "ensue" and "result"?

"Ensue" emphasizes the sequence of events, meaning it happens afterward. "Result" focuses on the outcome or consequence itself. While similar, "ensue" highlights the timing.