ensue

Frequently Asked Questions About ensue

How is the word ensue different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of ensue are follow, succeed, and supervene. While all these words mean "to come after something or someone," ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

When can follow be used instead of ensue?

In some situations, the words follow and ensue are roughly equivalent. However, follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

When might succeed be a better fit than ensue?

The meanings of succeed and ensue largely overlap; however, succeed implies a coming after immediately in a sequence determined by natural order, inheritance, election, or laws of rank.

she succeeded her father as head of the business

When would supervene be a good substitute for ensue?

Although the words supervene and ensue have much in common, supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances