events unfold

USAGE SUMMARY

"events unfold" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that a series of events are occurring or developing in a sequence. Example: As the investigation continued, new evidence was discovered and events began to unfold, revealing the true culprit behind the crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But events unfold along a single track.

The New Yorker

As befits a revolution, events unfold with neck-breaking pace.

The Economist

"But watching events unfold today this hope has shrunk quickly.

The Guardian

Why did the events unfold the way they did?

The New York Times

Rather, they suggest that travelers be patient while events unfold.

The New York Times

Yet he watched events unfold with growing horror.

The New York Times

"Obviously, we have to see how events unfold.

The New York Times

He's more of an Everyman watching amazing events unfold.

The New York Times - Books

Millions of Americans watched the events unfold in real-time on television and via social media.

The Economist

He watched events unfold from his window, unable to go onto his balcony because of snipers.

The New Yorker

As events unfold in Japan, we are witnessing the extreme dangers of nuclear power plants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "events unfold" when you want to convey a sense of natural progression or revelation of circumstances over time. It's suitable for describing complex situations where the outcome is not immediately clear.

Common error

Avoid using "events unfold" to describe static situations or routine occurrences. The phrase implies dynamism and development, so it's less appropriate for unchanging or predictable scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "events unfold" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the progression or development of a series of occurrences. As Ludwig suggests, it describes a dynamic situation where incidents happen sequentially.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "events unfold" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the progression of events over time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately conveys a sense of developing circumstances. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as well as science, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "events occur" or "circumstances unfold" exist, "events unfold" provides a nuanced way to describe situations where developments are progressively revealed. Remember to use this phrase in dynamic contexts, avoiding static or predictable scenarios to maintain its intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

events occur

Replaces "unfold" with a more general term for happening.

events develop

Focuses on the gradual progression of events.

events transpire

Uses a more formal and sophisticated synonym for "happen".

events evolve

Highlights the transformation and change inherent in the unfolding of events.

circumstances unfold

Shifts the focus to the broader set of conditions as they develop.

developments arise

Emphasizes the emergence of new information or situations.

the situation evolves

Highlights the dynamic nature of a particular situation.

the story progresses

Implies a narrative or sequential unfolding of events.

the plot thickens

Suggests increasing complexity and intrigue as events unfold.

things come to pass

A more archaic and literary way of saying that events happen.

FAQs

How can I use "events unfold" in a sentence?

You can use "events unfold" to describe situations where developments are progressively revealed. For example, "As "events unfold" in the investigation, the truth becomes clearer."

What are some alternatives to "events unfold"?

Alternatives include "events occur", "events develop", or "the situation evolves", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "events unfold" formal or informal?

"Events unfold" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to be more common in news reporting, analytical writing, and storytelling.

What does it mean when we say "events unfold"?

Saying that "events unfold" means that a series of incidents or developments are happening in sequence, often revealing new information or changing circumstances as they progress.