Word
ensue
Meanings
to happen or occur after something else, often as a result
Definition
To ensue is to happen or occur as a direct result of something else.
When something ensues, it happens after an earlier event and is usually caused by it. The word often introduces what follows in a sequence, especially when the result is natural, expected, or unavoidable. It is common in formal writing and reporting.
Examples
- If the committee rejects the proposal, a heated debate may ensue.
- She questioned the data, and an awkward silence ensued in the meeting room.
- They missed the last train, so a long walk ensued through quiet streets.
- I raised the issue politely, but a tense exchange ensued nonetheless.
Common mistake
Learners often use "ensue" with a direct object (e.g., "ensue a problem"), but it is intransitive: you say "a problem ensued" or "problems ensued."
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.