to ensue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to ensue" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something will happen as a result of a preceding event or action. Example: "After the meeting concluded, a heated debate began to ensue among the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pranks continue to ensue.

The New York Times

Hilarity tends to ensue.

The New York Times - Arts

Expect wackiness to ensue.

The Guardian - Sport

Conflict is bound to ensue.

The New Yorker

What consequences are likely to ensue?

The New York Times

A predictable controversy is likely to ensue.

The New York Times

Chaos tends to ensue, in a good way.

The New York Times - Arts

A year of vigorous debate is likely to ensue.

The Economist

"I thought a riot was about to ensue".

The New York Times

It did not take long for a controversy to ensue.

The New York Times

A keener debate about North Korea is bound to ensue.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to ensue" when you want to emphasize that one event logically or naturally follows another. It's particularly effective in formal writing to establish a clear sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "to ensue" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "to follow" or "to happen" are often more appropriate and sound less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to ensue" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, indicating a future action or event that will follow as a consequence. Ludwig confirms that it is correctly and commonly used to describe events that occur after and because of a preceding event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to ensue" is a grammatically correct and common infinitive verb phrase used to indicate that something will happen as a result of a preceding event. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage. While versatile, it's best suited for formal and neutral contexts, where its precise and sophisticated tone can effectively establish a clear sequence of events. Consider alternatives like "to follow" or "to result" in more casual settings to maintain naturalness and avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to result

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship, similar to "to ensue".

to follow

A simpler and more common synonym, focusing on sequence.

to arise from

Focuses on the origin or cause of the subsequent event.

to come after

Emphasizes temporal succession more directly than "to ensue".

to spring from

Suggests a more immediate and direct consequence.

to be consequent to

A more formal alternative that stresses the logical connection.

to proceed from

Implies a step-by-step progression.

to develop from

Indicates a gradual unfolding or evolution.

to transpire

More formal and suggests the revealing of an event.

to supervene

A technical term, highlighting the emergence of new properties or events.

FAQs

How can I use "to ensue" in a sentence?

Use "to ensue" to indicate what will happen or follow as a result of a particular action or event. For example, "If the negotiations fail, further conflict is likely "to ensue"".

What can I say instead of "to ensue"?

You can use alternatives like "to follow", "to result", or "to occur" depending on the specific context.

Is "to ensue" formal or informal?

"To ensue" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "to follow" or "to happen" are often more suitable.

What is the difference between "to ensue" and "to result"?

While both indicate a consequence, "to ensue" focuses more on the temporal sequence of events, whereas "to result" emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship. You would say "A meeting was held; a decision "to ensue" immediately after the meeting" and "The meeting to result in a decision".