what ensued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'what ensued' is correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase is typically used to indicate something that happened as a result of a previous event. For example: After the alarm sounded, what ensued was chaos as everyone scrambled to evacuate the building.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What ensued was terrifying.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, he expressed regret for what ensued.

The New York Times

What ensued sort of blew our minds.

The New York Times

But what ensued was an awkward evening.

The New York Times - Sports

What ensued was not the new commander's fault.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unfortunately, what ensued ensured it was not enough.

Independent

What ensued was an arduous and challenging night of firefighting.

The New York Times

What ensued was a gradual descent into chaos.

The New Yorker

What ensued, according to Dr. Bausell, was a predictable pattern.

The New York Times - Health

He was disappointed, to say the least, with what ensued.

The Guardian - Film

"What ensued was the trip of a lifetime," she writes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and tone of your writing. While "what ensued" is versatile, it is best suited for situations where you want to emphasize the unfolding of events or the development of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "what ensued" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term might be appropriate. In such contexts, alternatives like "the resulting consequences" or "the subsequent events" may be preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what ensued" functions as a relative clause, introducing a description of the events or consequences that followed a particular action or situation. It effectively links a cause to its effects, adding narrative cohesion. Ludwig confirms the correctness of this construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what ensued" is a versatile phrase used to describe the events or consequences that followed a specific action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it should be used thoughtfully in highly formal or technical writing, as more precise alternatives may be appropriate. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively employ "what ensued" to create clear and compelling narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what followed

Focuses specifically on the immediate chronological sequence of events.

what resulted

Emphasizes the outcome or consequence of a preceding action.

what happened next

Simplifies the phrase to a straightforward description of subsequent events.

the subsequent events

Highlights the chain of events that unfolded afterward.

the resulting consequences

Directly points to the effects or outcomes that stemmed from an initial action.

the aftermath

Concentrates on the period and effects immediately following a significant event.

the upshot

Indicates the final result or conclusion of a series of events or actions.

the chain of events

Focuses on the interconnected sequence of occurrences.

the sequence of events

Similar to 'chain of events' but may imply a more structured or planned progression.

what came after

Offers a basic and direct way to refer to the events that succeeded the initial occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "what ensued" in a sentence?

Use "what ensued" to describe events that directly follow and result from a preceding action or situation. For example, "After the argument, "what ensued" was a period of strained silence."

What are some alternatives to "what ensued"?

You can use phrases like "what followed", "what resulted", or "the subsequent events" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "what ensued" formal or informal?

"What ensued" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts, including news reports, narratives, and descriptive writing. However, it might be less suitable for very formal or technical documents.

What's the difference between "what ensued" and "what happened"?

"What happened" is a general inquiry about events, while "what ensued" specifically refers to the events that followed and were caused by a particular action or situation. "What ensued" implies a direct causal connection that "what happened" does not necessarily convey.