Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'ensue'

English Word: ensue

Key Russian Translations:

• последовать [pɐs.lʲɪ'dovətʲ] - [Formal, often used in narrative or legal contexts]
• произойти [prə.ɪz'ojtʲɪ] - [Neutral, everyday usage]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in written Russian, such as literature or formal reports, but less frequent in casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and contextual usage; for 'последовать', it may lean towards B2-B1 due to its formal tone, while 'произойти' is more straightforward at B1)

Pronunciation (Russian):

последовать: [pɐs.lʲɪ'dovətʲ]

Note on последовать: The stress falls on the last syllable (-ovatʲ), which is common in Russian imperfective verbs; be cautious with the palatalized 'lʲ' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers.

произойти: [prə.ɪz'ojtʲɪ]

Note on произойти: This is a perfective verb; the 'oj' diphthong may vary slightly in rapid speech, sounding closer to [oj] in some dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: To happen as a result or consequence of something else.

Translation(s) & Context:

• последовать - Used in formal contexts, such as historical events or logical sequences, to indicate something that follows directly as a result.
• произойти - Applied in more general or neutral contexts, emphasizing the occurrence of an event without strong formality.

Usage Examples:

• После подписания договора последовало улучшение отношений между странами.

  After the signing of the treaty, an improvement in relations between the countries ensued.

• В результате ошибки произошла серия проблем в системе.

  As a result of the error, a series of problems ensued in the system.

• Если вы не примете меры, то последует финансовый кризис.

  If you don't take measures, a financial crisis will ensue.

• После землетрясения произошло множество разрушений в городе.

  After the earthquake, numerous destructions ensued in the city.

• В дискуссии последовало оживленное обсуждение идей.

  In the discussion, a lively exchange of ideas ensued.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'последовать' and 'произойти' are verbs in Russian, with 'последовать' being imperfective and 'произойти' perfective. Russian verbs inflect based on tense, aspect, mood, person, and number. Below is a table for key inflections:

Note: 'Произойти' does not have a full present tense as it is perfective; it uses past and future forms. These verbs follow standard conjugation patterns with irregularities in stems.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • произойти (similar to 'happen', but more neutral)
  • следовать (emphasizes sequence, with subtle differences in causality)
• Antonyms:
  • предшествовать (to precede)
  • предварить (to come before)

Related Phrases:

• последовать за - Follow after (e.g., in a sequence of events); used to indicate succession.
• произойти в результате - Happen as a result; common in explanatory contexts.
• последствия события - Consequences of an event; a fixed phrase for outcomes that ensue.

Usage Notes:

'Ensue' corresponds most closely to 'последовать' in formal English-to-Russian translations, especially in written or academic contexts, while 'произойти' is better for everyday narratives. Be mindful of aspect: use 'последовать' for ongoing processes and 'произойти' for completed events. In Russian, word order can be flexible, but placing the verb at the end often emphasizes the result, mirroring English structure. When choosing between translations, opt for 'последовать' in legal or historical texts for a more precise match.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'последовать' interchangeably with 'произойти' without considering aspect. For example, learners might say "Это последовало вчера" (incorrect for a completed action), when it should be "Это произошло вчера" for a perfective past event.

  Correct: "Это произошло вчера" - This happened yesterday. Explanation: 'Произойти' is perfective and fits completed actions, while 'последовать' implies an ongoing or sequential process.

• Error: Neglecting verb conjugation, such as using the infinitive form in place of conjugated verbs, e.g., "Я последовать" instead of "Я последую".

  Correct: "Я последую" (I will follow). Explanation: Always conjugate based on subject and tense to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature and historical texts, words like 'последовать' often carry a sense of inevitability or fate, reflecting cultural themes in works by authors like Tolstoy, where events 'ensue' as part of a larger narrative destiny. This can add a philosophical layer not always present in English usage.

Related Concepts:

• последствие (consequence)
• результат (result)
• событие (event)