Ensue vs Entail: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Are you confused about whether to use ensue or entail in your writing? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with using these two words correctly. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between ensue and entail, and help you understand when to use each word properly.

It’s important to note that both ensue and entail are proper words in the English language. However, they have different meanings and uses. Ensue refers to what happens after an event or action, while entail refers to what is required or necessary for a particular outcome.

To be more specific, ensue means to follow as a result or consequence. For example, if you eat too much junk food, weight gain may ensue. On the other hand, entail means to involve or include as a necessary part or consequence. For instance, if you want to become a doctor, it entails years of studying and hard work.

Now that we’ve clarified the difference between these two words, let’s explore their usage in more depth. In the following sections, we’ll look at examples of how to use ensue and entail in different contexts, and provide some tips to help you remember which word to use in different situations.

Define Ensue

Ensuе is a verb that refers to the occurrence of something as a result of a previous event or action. It is commonly used to indicate the natural consequence of a particular situation or action.

For instance, if you leave your car unlocked, it may ensue that someone will steal it. In this example, the act of leaving the car unlocked is the cause, and the theft of the car is the effect or outcome that ensues.

Ensuе can also be used to describe a sequence of events that follow one another in a logical or chronological order. For example, if you start a business, it may ensue that you will need to hire employees, find a location, and create a marketing plan.

Define Entail

Entail is a verb that means to involve or require as a necessary part or consequence of something. It is often used to describe a situation where one thing leads to another, or where certain actions must be taken in order to achieve a particular outcome.

For example, if you want to become a doctor, it may entail years of studying, completing internships, and passing exams. In this case, the process of becoming a doctor requires these specific steps, and they are therefore said to entail one another.

Entail can also be used to describe a situation where something is necessary or essential to achieve a particular outcome. For instance, if you want to run a marathon, it may entail training for months beforehand in order to build up your endurance and stamina.

Ensuе	Entail
Refers to the occurrence of something as a result of a previous event or action	Means to involve or require as a necessary part or consequence of something
Describes a sequence of events that follow one another in a logical or chronological order	Often used to describe a situation where one thing leads to another
Used to indicate the natural consequence of a particular situation or action	Can describe a situation where something is necessary or essential to achieve a particular outcome

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to ensure effective communication. Two commonly confused words are ensue and entail. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use Ensue In A Sentence

The word ensue is a verb that means to happen as a result of something else. It is often used to describe a sequence of events. Here are some examples:

• After the heavy rain, flooding ensued in the low-lying areas.
• If you don’t take care of your health, problems will ensue.
• After the team’s star player was injured, a losing streak ensued.

As seen in the examples, ensue is used to describe something that happens as a result of a previous event or action.

How To Use Entail In A Sentence

The word entail is also a verb, but it means to involve or require as a necessary part or consequence. It is often used to describe the necessary steps or actions to achieve a certain goal. Here are some examples:

• Starting a business entails a lot of hard work and dedication.
• Going to college entails a significant financial investment.
• Completing the project entails meeting all the deadlines and quality standards.

As seen in the examples, entail is used to describe something that is necessary or required to achieve a certain goal or outcome.

It is important to use these words correctly to ensure that your message is clear and effective. Remember, ensue is used to describe a sequence of events, while entail is used to describe necessary steps or requirements to achieve a certain goal.

More Examples Of Ensue & Entail Used In Sentences

When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they can be used in different contexts. In this section, we’ll provide more examples of how to use “ensue” and “entail” in sentences.

Examples Of Using Ensue In A Sentence

• After the storm, flooding ensued throughout the city.
• If you don’t take care of your health, serious health problems may ensue.
• He made a bad decision, and chaos ensued as a result.
• When the company announced layoffs, panic ensued among the employees.
• After the car accident, a long legal battle ensued between the two drivers.
• If you don’t properly maintain your car, mechanical issues may ensue.
• When the power went out, darkness ensued and people scrambled for flashlights.
• After the politician’s scandal, a media frenzy ensued.
• If you don’t study for the test, failure may ensue.
• When the fire alarm went off, chaos ensued as people rushed to evacuate the building.

Examples Of Using Entail In A Sentence

• Going to college entails a significant financial investment.
• Starting your own business entails a lot of hard work and dedication.
• Being a doctor entails long hours and a high level of responsibility.
• Adopting a pet entails a lifelong commitment to care for the animal.
• Traveling to a foreign country entails learning about a new culture and language.
• Getting married entails a legal and emotional commitment to your partner.
• Being a teacher entails a passion for education and a desire to help students succeed.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle entails regular exercise and a balanced diet.
• Being a parent entails a lifelong responsibility to care for and guide your children.
• Buying a home entails a significant financial and personal investment.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words ensue and entail, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Using Ensue And Entail Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using ensue and entail interchangeably. While the two words may seem similar, they have different meanings and should not be used in the same way.

Ensue refers to something that happens as a result of something else. For example, if you eat too much junk food, weight gain may ensue. On the other hand, entail means to involve or require something as a necessary part or consequence. For example, a successful business venture may entail a lot of hard work and dedication.

Using ensue when you mean entail, or vice versa, can lead to confusion and miscommunication. It’s important to use these words correctly to ensure that your message is clear and understood.

Mistake #2: Confusing Ensue And Ensuing

Another common mistake is confusing ensue and ensuing. While ensue is a verb that means to happen as a result of something else, ensuing is an adjective that describes something that comes after or follows something else.

For example, you might say “the ensuing chaos was difficult to control” to describe the chaos that followed a particular event. However, you would not say “the chaos ensued” in this context, as ensue is a verb that describes what happens as a result of something else.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the meanings of ensue and entail, as well as how they are used in context. Here are some tips to help you use these words correctly:

• Take the time to look up the definitions of ensue and entail to ensure that you are using them correctly.
• Pay attention to how these words are used in context in the books, articles, and other materials you read.
• Practice using these words correctly in your own writing and speaking.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “ensue” and “entail”, the context in which they are used can greatly affect which word is the most appropriate to use. While both words are related to cause and effect, they have different nuances that make them more suitable for certain contexts.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “ensue” and “entail” might change:

Context	Example	Appropriate Word
Consequences of an Action	If you don’t study for the exam, bad grades will _______ .	ensue
Necessary Consequences	Getting a driver’s license _______ passing a driving test.	entails
Logical Sequence	We need to gather data. Then, analysis will _______ .	ensue
Implication	Not being able to attend the meeting _______ missing out on important information.	entails

In the first example, the word “ensue” is appropriate because bad grades are a natural consequence of not studying for an exam. In the second example, “entails” is the better choice because getting a driver’s license is a necessary consequence of passing a driving test.

The third example shows how “ensue” can be used to describe a logical sequence of events. In the fourth example, “entails” is appropriate because missing the meeting implies that important information will be missed.

Overall, the choice between “ensue” and “entail” depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can choose the most appropriate one for your writing.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using ensue and entail are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Passive Voice

In passive voice constructions, it’s sometimes difficult to determine whether to use ensue or entail. In passive voice, the subject of the sentence is acted upon, rather than doing the action. This means that the subject is often unclear, making it hard to determine which verb to use.

For example:

• The storm caused a power outage, which ensued in the entire neighborhood.
• The power outage was caused by the storm, which entailed a lot of repairs.

In this case, both verbs could technically be used, but ensue is the better choice for the first sentence because it emphasizes the result of the power outage, while entail is the better choice for the second sentence because it emphasizes the cause of the repairs.

2. Technical Jargon

In technical writing, ensue and entail might have different meanings than in everyday language. For example, in legal writing, entail might be used to mean “to impose a legal obligation,” while ensue might be used to mean “to follow as a result of a legal action.”

Here’s an example:

Every employee must sign a non-disclosure agreement, which entails confidentiality obligations.
This means that signing the agreement imposes a legal obligation to maintain confidentiality.
If an employee breaches the non-disclosure agreement, legal action may ensue.
This means that legal action may follow as a result of the breach.

It’s important to be aware of these technical meanings when using ensue and entail in specialized fields.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between ensue and entail, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (ensue or entail) to fill in the blank in each of the following sentences:

1. The heavy rain ___________ flooding in the streets.
2. Studying for exams ___________ long hours in the library.
3. He knew that quitting his job would ___________ financial difficulties.
4. If we don’t leave soon, traffic will ___________ and we’ll be late.
5. Her rude behavior ___________ a heated argument between the two friends.

Answer Key:

1. ensued
2. entail
3. entail
4. ensue
5. ensued

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence with the correct form of ensue or entail:

1. The new policy ___________ a lot of confusion among the employees.
2. If you don’t wear a helmet, it could ___________ serious injury.
3. They knew that taking on this project would ___________ a lot of hard work.
4. The argument ___________ when one of them stormed out of the room.
5. His reckless driving ___________ in a car accident.

Answer Key:

1. ensued
2. entail
3. entail
4. ensued
5. resulted

By completing these practice exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of ensue and entail in sentences. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be able to use these words with confidence!

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that the proper use of “ensue” and “entail” can greatly impact the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Definitions Matter

Understanding the definitions of “ensue” and “entail” is crucial in determining which word to use in a given context. “Ensue” refers to what happens after an event, while “entail” refers to what is required for an event to happen.

2. Context Is Key

The context in which you use these words is just as important as their definitions. Consider the implications of each word and whether it accurately conveys your intended meaning.

3. Grammar And Language Use Are Important

Using the correct word can greatly impact the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve your writing skills.

So, next time you sit down to write, remember to carefully consider whether to use “ensue” or “entail”. By doing so, you will ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.