what ensues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what ensues" is correct and usable in written English.
It means "what happens next" or "what follows." You can use this phrase when describing a series of events or actions that occur after a certain event. Example: After the auditions, what ensues is a long and intense deliberation among the judges to select the winner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What ensues, in any case, is unchallenged.

The New Yorker

What ensues is a food fiesta.

The New York Times

What ensues follows a recognisably Cowellian arc.

The Guardian - Film

(This, like what ensues, is unplanned and impromptu).

The New Yorker

I shall follow what ensues with the greatest possible interest.

The Guardian

Much of what ensues involves different people trying to break through Ivanov's impenetrable self-involvement.

The New York Times

What ensues is both thrilling and – in its cold indictment of the French prison system – terrifying.

The Guardian - Film

What ensues is in part a search for the artist's whereabouts.

The New York Times - Books

What ensues is an event of consciousness-changing proportions for any student of a foreign language.

The New York Times

They go for a walk, and what ensues is a delicate minuet of race and class.

The New York Times

What ensues is a prolonged dramatization of courage, interrupted by lyrical digression.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "what ensues" with vivid verbs and adjectives to make your writing more engaging and descriptive.

Common error

While "what ensues" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very informal writing. Simpler phrases like "what happens next" may be more appropriate in casual conversations or personal narratives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what ensues" functions as a relative clause introducing the subsequent events or consequences of a previously mentioned action or situation. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often serves to build anticipation or suspense. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Film

15%

Books

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what ensues" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that serves to introduce subsequent events or consequences. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is applicable in various contexts, although slightly more formal than simpler alternatives. Predominantly found in News & Media, Film, and Books, the phrase is valuable for creating anticipation and maintaining reader engagement. Writers should consider the context to ensure the tone is appropriate, keeping in mind that while the phrase is broadly acceptable, simpler wording may be more fitting for casual communication. Remember to use alternatives such as "what follows" or "what transpires" when aiming for a more nuanced or less frequent expression. "What ensues" remains a robust and versatile choice for describing sequential events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what follows

This alternative is shorter and more direct, simply indicating the subsequent events.

what unfolds

This alternative conveys a sense of gradual revelation or development.

what transpires

This alternative is slightly more formal, suggesting a revealing or unfolding of events.

what happens next

This alternative is straightforward and emphasizes the chronological sequence of events.

what results

This alternative focuses on the outcome or consequence of an action.

the subsequent events

This alternative is more descriptive, specifying that the focus is on events that come after.

the aftermath

This alternative emphasizes the period following a significant event and its consequences.

the resulting circumstances

This alternative highlights the conditions or situations that arise as a result of an action.

the upshot

This alternative points to the final result or conclusion of a series of events.

the after-effects

This alternative specifically refers to the effects or consequences that occur after an event.

FAQs

What does "what ensues" mean?

The phrase "what ensues" means what happens afterward or as a consequence. It's used to describe the events that follow a particular action or situation.

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

You can use "what ensues" to introduce the consequences or subsequent events of an action, like: "After the argument, "what ensues" is a period of silence and reflection."

What are some alternatives to "what ensues"?

Alternatives include "what follows", "what happens next", or "what transpires". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "what ensues" formal or informal?

"What ensues" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it may sound slightly more elevated than simpler alternatives like "what happens next".