ensues: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; common in written analysis, journalism, academic, and narrative contexts.
Quick answer
What does “ensues” mean?
Occurs as a direct or inevitable consequence or result of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Occurs as a direct or inevitable consequence or result of something.
Describes an event, period, or situation that follows immediately, often logically, after a preceding event, with an emphasis on the natural sequence of cause and effect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in American English, but widely used in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in formal writing in both regions; perhaps slightly more frequent in British journalistic prose.
Grammar
How to Use “ensues” in a Sentence
Something ensues.Something ensues from something.Something ensues after something.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ensues” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- If the alarm is raised, a full evacuation ensues.
- After the initial announcement, a heated discussion ensued.
American English
- When the power fails, chaos often ensues.
- The verdict was read, and a period of quiet reflection ensued.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form; use 'ensuing' (the ensuing chaos).
American English
- No standard adjective form; use 'ensuing' (in the ensuing days).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports to describe market reactions: 'After the profit warning, a sharp sell-off ensued.'
Academic
Used in describing processes or historical sequences: 'The treaty was signed, and a prolonged period of peace ensued.'
Everyday
Used in storytelling: 'He made a rude comment, and an awkward silence ensued.'
Technical
Rare in pure STEM; more in legal/process descriptions: 'Upon breach of contract, arbitration proceedings ensued.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ensues”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ensues”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ensues”
- Using it without a clear prior cause: 'Sunshine ensues.' (Incorrect without context) Correct: 'After the rain stops, sunshine ensues.'
- Using it in progressive form: 'is ensuing' is very rare and awkward.
- Confusing spelling with 'ensures'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is more common in formal, written, and narrative contexts (news, reports, stories) but can be used in spoken English for dramatic effect.
Rarely. It describes a completed sequence. 'Is ensuing' is grammatically possible but stylistically awkward. The simple present ('ensues') or past ('ensued') are standard.
'Follows' is broader and neutral. 'Ensues' specifically implies the following event is a direct, often natural or logical, consequence of the first. It carries a stronger causal link.
No, though it often describes chaos or conflict. It can describe neutral or positive sequences: 'After the negotiations, a period of fruitful cooperation ensued.'
Occurs as a direct or inevitable consequence or result of something.
Ensues: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈsjuːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈsuːz/ or /ɛnˈsuːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All hell breaks loose and ensues.”
- “A period of calm ensues.”
- “As night follows day, so X ensues.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ENSUES' sounds like 'in queues' – one thing follows logically after another, like people in a queue.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVENTS ARE MOVING OBJECTS IN A SEQUENCE (one event follows directly behind another).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'ensues' used CORRECTLY?