as it unfolded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it unfolded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events or situations that develop or occur over time, often in a narrative context. Example: "The story captivated the audience as it unfolded, revealing unexpected twists and turns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

C-Span captured the drama as it unfolded.

The Washington Post

I [was] looking to track public opinion inside the Syrian civil war as it unfolded.

Harvard University

Also see the live blog of the story as it unfolded.

The Guardian

The video also provides a shockingly intimate window into the navy yard disaster as it unfolded.

The Guardian

Mueller writes about an August 2011 protest that she observed as it unfolded.

The Washington Post

His aim was to photograph America as it unfolded before his somewhat sombre outsider's eye.

The Guardian - Books

Here are excerpts from the conversation as it unfolded in Iran last week.

The New York Times

But there'll be no spoilers so we'll present the action as it unfolded".

The Guardian - Sport

The New Yorker writer Jonathan Schell documented Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal as it unfolded.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is a performance that heats up as it unfolds, becoming electrifying in its final third.

Los Angeles Times

And as it unfolds here, it is dizzying in its miscellany.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it unfolded" to create a sense of immediacy and engagement, drawing the reader into the narrative as if they are witnessing the events firsthand.

Common error

Avoid using "as it unfolded" excessively in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise and academic alternatives like "as it developed" or "as it progressed" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it unfolded" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or manner in which an event or situation progressed. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it unfolded" is a versatile phrase used to describe the chronological progression of events, often creating a sense of immediacy and discovery. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for many contexts, including informal narratives, it should be used judiciously in highly formal or scientific writing. Alternatives like "as it transpired" or "as events progressed" may be more appropriate in such cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it transpired

Focuses on the event becoming known or revealed, often unexpectedly.

as it transpired

Implies a gradual revealing or unfolding of events.

as it played out

Emphasizes the performance or execution of an event, often with a dramatic connotation.

as things unfolded

More informal and emphasizes the unpredictable nature of events.

as events progressed

Highlights the forward movement and development of events over time.

as the situation developed

Specifically refers to the evolution and changing nature of a situation.

in the course of events

A more formal way of indicating something happened during a series of events.

as it came to pass

Implies a sense of inevitability or destiny in the unfolding of events.

with the passage of time

Emphasizes the role of time in revealing or developing a situation.

in real time

Indicates events are witnessed or recorded immediately. It is more immediate, lacking the retrospective element of "unfolded".

FAQs

How can I use "as it unfolded" in a sentence?

Use "as it unfolded" to describe a series of events progressing, revealing details or outcomes over time. For instance, "The mystery deepened "as it unfolded", captivating the audience with each new revelation."

What are some alternatives to "as it unfolded"?

Alternatives include "as it transpired", "as it played out", or "as events progressed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as it unfolded" formal or informal?

"As it unfolded" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both journalistic and informal contexts, but might be less appropriate for highly formal academic writing where more precise language may be preferred.

What does "as it unfolded" emphasize in a narrative?

"As it unfolded" emphasizes the process and the gradual revelation of information or events, often creating a sense of suspense or discovery for the audience or reader.