that could ensue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that could ensue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to potential outcomes or events that may follow as a result of a particular action or situation. Example: "If we don't address the issue now, serious consequences that could ensue may affect our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Can you imagine the unfathomable chaos that could ensue?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is about the embarrassment that could ensue.

The Washington Post

They do not want Iraq-style chaos next door that could ensue if it falls.

The Economist

Technically this is the default option, but it's more like a nuclear option, considering the chaos that could ensue.

The New York Times

Despite widespread exasperation with the government, many lawmakers are worried about the chaos that could ensue if the government collapsed.

The New York Times

Consider the canine traffic jam that could ensue at the dog park when a pack of owners starts calling their Maxes and Busters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

But in adopting it, he appears insensitive to the damage already inflicted on his party, and the further damage that could soon ensue.

The New York Times

Suze Orman has done us all a favor by highlighting some of the dangers that could otherwise ensue when playing with FIRE.

Forbes

I mean, I think that's one of the reasons why you don't see, China may want to move toward a democratic, more of a democratic or capitalistic-type society to make money, but from a social perspective, the chaos that could potentially ensue is terrifying to them.

Forbes

Importantly, consistent with our recent X-ray crystallographic studies, triethylenetetramine-binding to Cu II) can suppresses its catalytic activity, thus protecting the renal tubules from the toxicity that could otherwise ensue.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

BEST ADAPTATION OF AN ADORED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE The dramatic and narrative butchery that could have ensued when Turbine set out to make a online role-playing game based on the "Lord of the Rings" books had Tolkien fans stockpiling torches.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "that could ensue" with synonyms such as "that may follow" or "that might result" to enhance readability and avoid repetition, especially within the same paragraph. This improves the overall flow and maintains reader engagement.

Common error

While "ensue" is grammatically correct, it often sounds overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "follow" or "happen" to maintain a natural and accessible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that could ensue" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by describing a potential consequence or result. It connects a hypothetical outcome to a specific action or situation. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing potential chaos, dangers, and disasters.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that could ensue" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe potential consequences or outcomes resulting from a specific action or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often employed in formal writing across diverse fields like news, science, and business. While "ensue" itself might suggest a slightly formal tone, the phrase's overall register remains relatively neutral, making it suitable for a broad range of writing contexts. When using "that could ensue", ensure a clear connection between the initial action and the potential outcome, and consider using synonyms to enhance readability and prevent overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could follow

A direct synonym, simply replacing "ensue" with "follow" to indicate a sequence of events.

that might result

Replaces "could ensue" with "might result", indicating a possibility of something happening as a consequence.

that may follow

Substitutes "could ensue" with "may follow", suggesting a possible sequence of events.

that might arise

Replaces "could ensue" with "might arise", focusing on the emergence of something as a result.

that may occur

Substitutes "could ensue" with "may occur", indicating a possibility of something taking place.

that could arise from this

Adding "from this" to the end, to make explicit to what the consequences are related.

that could happen

Replaces "ensue" with the more general term "happen", indicating a possible event.

that may stem from this

Replacing "could ensue" with "may stem from", highlighting the origin or cause of the potential consequences.

that might transpire

Replaces "could ensue" with "might transpire", indicating something that may come to pass, often unexpectedly.

that may develop

Substitutes "could ensue" with "may develop", focusing on the gradual unfolding of events.

FAQs

How to use "that could ensue" in a sentence?

The phrase "that could ensue" is used to describe potential consequences or outcomes of a specific action or situation. For example, "If we fail to address climate change, environmental disasters "that could ensue" will be devastating".

What can I say instead of "that could ensue"?

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

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "that could ensue"?

The phrase "that could ensue" is appropriate in formal or academic writing when you want to emphasize a potential consequence or outcome that logically follows from a particular action or event. It adds a degree of formality and precision to your writing.

What is the difference between "that could ensue" and "that might happen"?

"That could ensue" implies a more direct and logical sequence of events, suggesting that the outcome is a natural or expected consequence. "That might happen" is more general and suggests a possibility without necessarily implying a strong causal relationship.