Unfolding

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Unfolding" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a process of revealing or developing something gradually. For example, "The story is unfolding before our eyes." Alternative expressions include "developing" and "revealing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The yes team had already begun unfolding a far more damaging campaign for the final weeks: attacking the UK government and Better Together over the future of the NHS.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, it is my policy to leave no bandwagon unjumped, and so here's my contribution to the unfolding brouhaha.

The Guardian - Opinion

Session 9: Developing your subject - Monday 9th November Participants will bring in a second 500 word scene, one which is key to the unfolding narrative, a 'turning-point' scene.

The Guardian

Yet what has been unfolding in the past 15 months or so should make even the most ardent pro-European think about an orderly mechanism for making member states exit: the euro crisis and, less obviously, Hungary's backsliding from liberal democracy to a soft form of authoritarianism, or what an American paper recently called "Lukashenko lite".

The Guardian - Opinion

The alarm over the unfolding disaster was raised shortly after 6am by fishing boats who noticed a vessel in trouble off the Lampedusa coast near Isola dei Conigli (Rabbits' Island).

The Guardian

The two unfolding spy stories resonate powerfully with each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is encouraging to see that the Guardian is at last beginning to take notice of the tragedy unfolding in Hungary under the rightwing government (Editorial, 26 December).

The Guardian

But the king reminds him that he is from a famously unstable family and hints that Monrad's own recklessness is to blame for the tragedy we have watched unfolding.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

City investors may have been watching the general election on Thursday, but they also kept half an eye on the drama unfolding on eurozone bond markets.

The Guardian - Business

And Universal offered teen-skewing horror Unfriended, which boasts the high-concept hook of unfolding essentially within an online video chat session on a laptop.

The Guardian - Film

But with the help of new arrivals at Bucca, those inside the prison had been able to monitor every new development in the unfolding sectarian war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of events, "Unfolding" can effectively convey the dynamic and progressive nature of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "Unfolding" to describe static objects or situations that do not involve a process of revelation or development. Use "existing" or "present" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Unfolding" is as a present participle or gerund, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or as a noun itself. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "Unfolding" describes ongoing processes or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "Unfolding" is a versatile phrase primarily functioning as a present participle or gerund, typically used to describe the gradual revelation or development of events. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples indicates it's grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's best employed to describe dynamic processes rather than static objects. Ludwig also helps to identify its related phrases like "developing" or "emerging" depending on context. By avoiding its misuse with static situations and understanding its communicative purpose, writers can effectively use "Unfolding" to add depth and dynamism to their narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Developing

Focuses more on the process of growth or formation rather than the act of revealing.

Evolving

Emphasizes gradual change and adaptation over time.

Emerging

Highlights the appearance or rise of something new.

Revealing itself

More directly emphasizes the act of becoming known or visible.

Becoming apparent

Stresses the gradual perception or understanding of something.

Coming to light

Suggests that something previously hidden is now being discovered.

Progressing

Highlights forward movement and advancement.

Taking shape

Focuses on the formation of a defined structure or form.

Materializing

Emphasizes the physical or tangible realization of something.

Unveiling

Suggests a deliberate act of revealing something previously concealed.

FAQs

How can I use "Unfolding" in a sentence?

"Unfolding" can be used to describe a situation or event that is gradually developing or being revealed. For instance, "The "unfolding drama" kept everyone on edge" or "The "unfolding events" led to significant changes".

What are some alternatives to "Unfolding"?

Alternatives to "Unfolding" include "developing", "evolving", or "emerging depending on the context".

Is it correct to use "Unfolding" to describe a completed event?

While "Unfolding" typically describes an ongoing process, it can be used to refer to the revelation of details after an event has concluded. However, it's more common to use words like "revealed" or "unveiled".

What is the difference between "Unfolding" and "developing"?

"Unfolding" emphasizes the aspect of gradual revelation or becoming known, while "developing focuses on the process of growth or formation". You might say a story is "unfolding" to highlight how the details are being revealed, or that a plan is "developing" to show how it is being formed.