in the ensuing decades

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the ensuing decades" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period of time that follows a specific event or moment, typically indicating a span of ten years or more. Example: "The technological advancements made in the early 21st century had a profound impact on society in the ensuing decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But in the ensuing decades, ECMO technology grew more sophisticated.

The New Yorker

In the ensuing decades he has worked steadily, if quietly.

The New York Times - Arts

In the ensuing decades the city fell into ruin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the ensuing decades, a host of other changes followed.

The New Yorker

In the ensuing decades he painted many elaborate, whole-figure portraits of children in juvenile finery.

The New York Times - Arts

In the ensuing decades, Canutt made technical improvements that became standard practice.

The New Yorker

In the ensuing decades, they have embarked on journalistic projects aiming for social impact.

The New York Times

In the ensuing decades, I avoided giving much thought to the end times.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the ensuing decades, nuclear facts and nuclear strategy had a peculiarly uneasy coexistence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the ensuing decades, Guevara has hardly been confined to the dustbin of history.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the ensuing decades, its main military supplier, the Soviet Union, disintegrated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the ensuing decades" to clearly indicate a period of several decades that directly follows a specific event or point in time. This helps establish a chronological sequence in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in the ensuing decades" when referring to a general period in the past without a clear reference point. Ensure there's a specific event or time already mentioned that the "ensuing decades" are following.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the ensuing decades" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the time period following a particular event or point in time. As evidenced by Ludwig, it typically introduces a duration of multiple decades after the reference point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the ensuing decades" effectively situates events within a specific temporal context, denoting a period of many years following a given point, according to Ludwig. Grammatically correct and frequently employed across reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, it is considered very common. It's predominantly found in news, media, and encyclopedia contexts and serves to establish chronological order. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides ample evidence of its use. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by referencing a specific preceding event, and consider alternatives like "in the following decades" to maintain precision and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the following decades

Uses "following" instead of "ensuing", indicating the period immediately after.

in the subsequent decades

Replaces "ensuing" with "subsequent", suggesting a sequence of events after the initial one.

over the next several decades

Emphasizes the duration and forward progression of time.

in the years that followed

Shifts the focus from decades to years, implying a more general timeframe.

in the period thereafter

Uses a more formal tone, referring to a time period after a specific event.

in the wake of those decades

Implies that the decades that followed are a consequence of some event.

in later decades

A more general way of referring to decades after a specific point in time.

during the succeeding decades

Replaces "ensuing" with "succeeding", emphasizing a chronological order.

in the after years

More simplified phrase focused on period after.

in the proceeding decades

Suggests a chronological progression of time.

FAQs

How can I use "in the ensuing decades" in a sentence?

You can use "in the ensuing decades" to refer to the period of time that follows a specific event. For example, "The invention of the internet revolutionized communication, and "in the ensuing decades", society underwent a significant transformation."

What phrases are similar to "in the ensuing decades"?

Similar phrases include "in the following decades", "in the subsequent decades", or "over the next several decades". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "in the ensuing decades" to refer to the future?

While technically correct, "in the ensuing decades" typically refers to a period following a past event. For future events, phrases like "in the coming decades" or "in the years ahead" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "ensuing" and "following" in the phrases "in the ensuing decades" and "in the following decades"?

"Ensuing" and "following" are largely interchangeable in this context. "Ensuing" might subtly imply a more direct causal relationship, while "following" is more neutral and simply indicates a chronological sequence. Therefore, "in the following decades" is usually interchangeable.