an event unfolding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an event unfolding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or occurrence that is currently happening or developing over time. Example: "As the news broke, we watched an event unfolding that would change the course of history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In those days, distances felt real: an event unfolding in a city more than two hundred miles away seemed remote, even in the imagination.

The New Yorker

Had it played out that way, where do you think people would turn the next time there was an event unfolding in realtime?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The American ambassador, Robert Stephen Beecroft, happened to visit at the time of the raid and looked on helplessly as an event unfolded that he knew could have lasting repercussions.

The New York Times

Shetty: Media has evolved from the audience wanting to be informed about an event (a week later), to watching an event unfold (live) to participating in the event (live video and comment).

Forbes

This reviewer was immured in the monomania of Finals' revision in the summer of 1977; the Queen's Jubilee seemed like a phantom event unfolding like an irrelevant dream outside the pale of my privileged imprisonment.

Independent

For the first time, they will be allowed to watch an international event unfolding fully before their eyes, relatively uncensored.

Forbes

The Brooklyn Book Festival is one of my favorites: a real city event, unfolding, largely, in and around Borough Hall.

Los Angeles Times

But the NHC warned of a "serious inland flooding event unfolding".

BBC

For instance, a political event unfolds, and an algorithm writes about how it affects your job and your family.

Forbes

In Police Brutality, players must strategize to limit violence after a public event unfolds.

Vice

On Jan . 12 an ordinary Wednesday afternoon in Costa Mesa, a most extraordinary event unfolded on the center's campus.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an event unfolding" to create a sense of immediacy and capture the dynamic nature of a situation as it progresses.

Common error

Avoid using "an event unfolding" when describing something that is already completed or static. This phrase is most effective when highlighting the active and developing nature of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an event unfolding" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation or occurrence in progress. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in conveying a sense of immediacy and development.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an event unfolding" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a situation or occurrence currently in progress. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and semi-formal writing. While less frequent than some alternatives, it effectively conveys a sense of immediacy and development. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is grammatically correct. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the dynamic nature of the situation, avoiding overuse in static descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a situation unfolding

Omits the word "event", making it more general.

a developing situation

Focuses on the 'development' aspect, omitting the specific 'event' component.

an occurrence taking place

Uses different vocabulary to convey a similar meaning, focusing on the action of 'taking place'.

a scene unfolding

Implies a more visual and dramatic occurrence.

a drama unfolding

Emphasizes the exciting and potentially negative nature of the situation.

an incident occurring

Highlights the unexpected and possibly problematic nature of the event.

a crisis developing

Specifically refers to a dangerous or unstable situation.

a process developing

Focuses on the gradual and ongoing aspect of the event.

an evolution happening

Highlights the long-term and transformative nature of the event.

a transformation underway

Emphasizes the shift and change that is currently in progress.

FAQs

How can I use "an event unfolding" in a sentence?

Use "an event unfolding" to describe a situation that is currently in progress and developing. For example, "As the news broke, we watched "an event unfolding" that would change the course of history."

What can I say instead of "an event unfolding"?

You can use alternatives like "a developing situation", "a situation unfolding", or "an occurrence taking place" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "an event unfolding" in formal writing?

Yes, "an event unfolding" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports or analytical pieces. It accurately describes a situation in progress.

What is the difference between "an event unfolding" and "a completed event"?

"An event unfolding" describes something currently happening, whereas "a completed event" refers to something that has finished. The former implies ongoing development, while the latter denotes a fixed outcome.