the ensuing hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the ensuing hours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the hours that follow a specific event or moment in time. Example: "After the meeting concluded, we spent the ensuing hours discussing the project details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Hence the bewildering picture that emerged in the ensuing hours.

The New Yorker

The divorced father of two teenagers said the ensuing hours had been a blur.

The Guardian

Unrest about the operation gained momentum in the ensuing hours, culminating in the protest on Friday afternoon.

The Guardian

In the ensuing hours, security forces poured into the region, and Sunnis from nearby Burhaniyya stayed indoors.

The New York Times

As we learn more, in the ensuing hours and days, of what occurred just before the cameras were switched on, that effect is unlikely to subside.

The New Yorker

The ensuing hours were tense, with no further shots fired inside and no information on how many were dead, wounded and trapped.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Reassuringly, the expectation raised in those first seconds was thoroughly realised in the ensuing hour and a half.

The Guardian - Music

They ask for a volunteer from the audience and spend the ensuing hour and a half trying to convert him to Mormonism.

The New Yorker

It is by no means certain that Ronaldo, or any of his teammates, broke a sweat in the ensuing hour and a half.

The New York Times - Sports

The ensuing hour summed up all the delights not only of this genre but of any good jazz performed informally in a small, crowded space.

The Guardian - Music

The ensuing hour made me feel plenty of frustration, disappointment and the overwhelming sense that I had been betrayed by somebody who should know better than most the pressure faced by frontline social workers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the ensuing hours", ensure the context clearly establishes the initial event or time from which the subsequent hours are being measured. This avoids ambiguity and provides a solid temporal reference for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the ensuing hours" loosely without a clear preceding event or timeframe. Overuse can dilute its impact, so ensure a specific trigger is evident to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the ensuing hours" functions as a temporal marker, indicating a period of time immediately following a specific event or action. It modifies a clause by specifying when something occurred in relation to a prior event, as evidenced by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the ensuing hours" is a commonly used phrase to denote the period immediately following a specific event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile. It's often found in news reports, scientific articles, and general narratives to provide a clear temporal sequence. While alternatives like "the following hours" or "the subsequent hours" exist, "the ensuing hours" conveys a sense of direct consequence. Ensure a clear reference point to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, writers can effectively use "the ensuing hours" to enhance their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the following hours

Emphasizes the temporal sequence; simpler and more direct.

the subsequent hours

Implies a slightly more formal tone than "ensuing".

the succeeding hours

More formal and less frequently used than "ensuing".

the immediately following hours

Highlights the closeness in time.

the next few hours

Less precise but commonly used in informal contexts.

the hours that followed

Rephrasing to emphasize the past.

the period after that

Broader and less specific about the time frame.

the time thereafter

More formal and general.

the wake of that

Figurative language indicating consequence and aftermath.

in the aftermath

Focuses on the consequences and results of an event.

FAQs

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

"The ensuing hours" is used to describe the period immediately following a particular event. For example, "After the announcement, the ensuing hours were filled with speculation".

What are some alternatives to "the ensuing hours"?

Alternatives include "the following hours", "the subsequent hours", or "the next few hours", depending on the desired level of formality and precision.

Is it more appropriate to use "ensuing" or "following" when describing time?

"Ensuing" and "following" are often interchangeable, but "ensuing" can imply a more direct consequence or immediate sequence. "Following" is generally more neutral and broadly applicable.

What's the difference between "the ensuing hours" and "the preceding hours"?

"The ensuing hours" refers to the hours that come after a specific event, whereas "the preceding hours" refers to the hours that came before the event.