MEANING
To happen after something, especially as a consequence, result, or next event.
Use it for
What happens next, often as a result.Describe a consequence that follows a choice, revelation, or disruption.
Words that belong together
- violence ensued
- confusion ensued
- events that ensue
On the page
A week of silence ensued after the committee released the missing transcript.
Nearby words
Opposite meanings
Word forms
- Base
- ensue
- Past tense
- ensued
- Past participle
- ensued
- Present participle
- ensuing
Full tense & aspect guide
- Present
- ensue
- Present continuous
- am/is/are ensuing
- Present perfect
- have/has ensued
- Present perfect continuous
- have/has been ensuing
- Past
- ensued
- Past continuous
- was/were ensuing
- Past perfect
- had ensued
- Past perfect continuous
- had been ensuing
- Future
- will ensue
- Future continuous
- will be ensuing
- Future perfect
- will have ensued
- Future perfect continuous
- will have been ensuing
Choose the auxiliary that agrees with your subject. These are constructions of one word, not separate entries.
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Usage notes
Typically intransitive; the event that follows is its subject, and the verb often gives narration a formal tone.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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