an unforeseen development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unforeseen development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected event or change that has occurred, often in a context where it impacts a situation or outcome. Example: "The project faced delays due to an unforeseen development that required immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Today an unforeseen development took place, he says.

The Guardian

Barring an unforeseen development, Arizona will move to the American League West, Tampa Bay to the National League Southeast and Texas to what will become a six-team A.L. Central.

The New York Times - Sports

At times, it seemed the hearing was devoted more to refighting past battles and setting the stage for future ones, a recognition that barring an unforeseen development, Judge Sotomayor's confirmation seems assured in a Senate with a commanding Democratic majority.

The New York Times

Others defy mortal danger on Earth or in space, while still others court hedonism or suicide -- until an unforeseen development shifts the focus from self-involvement to self-defense against a new and terrible enemy.

The New York Times - Books

There is, of course, the possibility of an unforeseen development that could see the team relocate earlier, but for now, that seems unlikely particularly given the manner in which St . Petersburghas dug in its contractual heels.

Forbes

The process begins today when Eddie Jones practices at 100% for the first time since suffering a sprained right shoulder Feb. 19, then gains momentum as Jones, barring an unforeseen development, is activated in time for Sunday's game against Houston.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Comcast's plan to gain control of NBC Universal, which is expected to be announced in the weeks ahead, barring any unforeseen developments, is likely to be the first major test of the Obama administration's media regulators.

The New York Times

The measure was not among the items he placed on the agenda for the special session he called on Monday, and he has indicated that, barring any unforeseen developments, he does not intend to call lawmakers back to Albany again before year's end.

The New York Times

Barring any unforeseen developments — and God only knows what might happen next — California psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford will publicly accuse Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers and Kavanaugh will repeat his fervent denials, while the nation watches on live TV and tries to determine who is telling the truth.

Los Angeles Times

A similarly unforeseen development, he said, is that "the thumb has become a very important tool for social and commercial relationships".

The New York Times - Tech

Hertha's flight of fancy is not the only unforeseen development a quarter into the 2015-16 season.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unforeseen development" to introduce an unexpected event that has consequences for the situation you are describing. It adds a layer of complexity and realism to your narrative or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "an unforeseen development" in situations where unexpected events are inherently likely, such as describing the stock market or political campaigns. It can make your writing sound cliché or lacking in original insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unforeseen development" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English to describe an unexpected event.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unforeseen development" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote an unexpected event or change. Ludwig AI validates its usability, suggesting it effectively introduces unforeseen elements into narratives or analyses. It finds common ground across contexts from news and media to academia, while fitting naturally into both formal and informal writing. Despite being usable in a variety of settings, be cautious of overuse in situations where surprises are naturally expected. For alternatives, consider phrases like "an unexpected turn of events" or "an unanticipated occurrence" to add nuance to your expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unforeseen circumstance

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes the situational aspect of the unexpected event.

an unexpected turn of events

Highlights the surprising nature of the event, focusing on its deviation from the expected course.

an unanticipated occurrence

Emphasizes the lack of prior expectation or preparation for the event.

an unpredicted incident

Focuses on the inability to foresee the event, often implying a negative or disruptive impact.

a surprise situation

A more general term, indicating that the event was not anticipated.

an abrupt change

Highlights the suddenness of the development, emphasizing the shift in circumstances.

an uncalculated risk

Implies a lack of planning or foresight that resulted in an unexpected outcome.

a bolt from the blue

An idiomatic expression indicating a completely unexpected and often shocking event.

a curveball

An informal term for an unexpected event that alters the expected outcome.

a twist in the plot

Suggests an unexpected change or turn of events, often in a narrative context.

FAQs

How can I use "an unforeseen development" in a sentence?

You can use "an unforeseen development" to introduce an unexpected event or change that impacts a situation or outcome. For example: "The project faced delays due to "an unforeseen development" that required immediate attention."

What can I say instead of "an unforeseen development"?

You can use alternatives like "an unexpected turn of events", "an unanticipated occurrence", or "an unpredicted incident" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "unforeseen development" or "unexpected development"?

"Unforeseen development" and "unexpected development" are quite similar, but "unforeseen" emphasizes the inability to predict the event. Choose the one that best fits the nuance you want to convey. For example "an unforeseen circumstance" emphasizes situational aspect.

What is the difference between "an unforeseen development" and "a surprise situation"?

"An unforeseen development" implies a significant change or event that was not anticipated, while "a surprise situation" is a more general term for any situation that was unexpected. The former often has more weight or consequence.