depending on how things unfold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depending on how things unfold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that the outcome or decision will be influenced by future events or developments. Example: "We will make a final decision on the project depending on how things unfold in the next few weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, depending on how things unfold, they may look similar to homes without computers or flat screen televisions today.

Forbes

A more relational or power personalized system is in our future, and that could make it very different, depending on how things unfold". By offering bundled services, Woodworth said, utilities can not only prevent upstarts and newcomers from stepping in to provide new services, but also from splitting services off that utilities have traditionally provided.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It depends on how things unfold".

The New York Times

"It will depend on how things unfold militarily".

The New York Times

Asked about the workings of the Iraqi Governing Council, she replied, "A lot of this is going to depend on how things unfold on the ground".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We're going to hear a lot about this over the next days and weeks, depending on how things at Fort Hood unfold," he said.

The New Yorker

Depending on how things go, they could be again.

The New York Times - Sports

This depends on how fast things progress.

WikiHow

That depends on how things play out.

The New York Times

It depends on how things settle out in Mexico".

The New York Times

HAWKING: The outcome will depend on how things are distributed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "depending on how things unfold" when you want to indicate that a future decision or outcome will be influenced by uncertain events. It's suitable for scenarios where adaptability and flexibility are required.

Common error

Avoid using "depending on how things unfold" when the outcome is already relatively certain. Choose a more direct phrase if the influencing factors are known or highly predictable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending on how things unfold" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates that the action or state described by the verb or clause is conditional and subject to future developments. Ludwig provides real-world examples that show the phrase in use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depending on how things unfold" is a versatile phrase used to express that future outcomes are contingent upon uncertain events. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It is frequently seen in News & Media, as well as Formal & Business settings. While simple substitutions exist, such as "contingent on future developments", the original phrase conveys a specific sense of unfolding events influencing decisions. When writing, consider the level of certainty involved and use the phrase appropriately to avoid misrepresenting the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to how events play out

Emphasizes the subjection of the outcome on the events.

contingent on future developments

Highlights that the result is conditional and focuses on future changes.

depending on future circumstances

Focuses on external conditions as the determining factor.

as events transpire

Refers to events as they occur and reveal themselves over time.

as the situation evolves

Highlights the ongoing changes in a situation.

based on how events progress

The shift is on the progression of happenings.

depending on how things pan out

Emphasizes the final result of a situation or plan.

conditional on what happens next

Focuses specifically on subsequent occurrences and their impact.

subject to future occurrences

Highlights the effect of happenings.

depending on what transpires

Stresses the unveiling of events in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "depending on how things unfold" in a sentence?

You can use "depending on how things unfold" to indicate that a future decision or outcome will be influenced by uncertain events. For example: "We will decide on the budget "depending on how things unfold" in the market."

What can I say instead of "depending on how things unfold"?

You can use alternatives like "contingent on future developments", "subject to how events play out", or "as the situation evolves depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it depends on how things unfold"?

Yes, "it depends on how things unfold" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express that the outcome is uncertain and relies on future events.

What's the difference between "depending on how things unfold" and "depending on what happens"?

"Depending on how things unfold" implies a more complex and evolving scenario, whereas "depending on what happens" is a more general statement about future events influencing an outcome.