ensue

Everyday

1. (formal) To happen after something and because of it; to follow as a result. tree →
2. (formal) To come next in time. tree →

In the lessons

A stiff, formal word for «follow» or «result». In stories: «chaos ensued», «a fight ensued», «panic ensued» — something started because of what happened before. In exam questions it may mean «what happened next». Everyday talk uses «then … happened» or «that led to».

Examples

• The dog got into the kitchen and chaos ensued. tree →
• When the lights went out, panic ensued. tree →
• A long argument ensued over who had won. tree →
• Hilarity ensued when the teacher slipped on the banana skin. tree →
• The storm hit and floods ensued. tree →
• Describe the events that ensued after the king's death. tree →
• A chase ensued through the market. tree →
• To enter the city was now an easy matter, and a fearful slaughter ensued. tree →

Note

Formal and literary; it does not take an object (you cannot «ensue something»). Often appears in the past: «ensued». The adjective «ensuing» means «the following». Simple meaning: «then happened as a result».