has been unfolding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been unfolding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has been developing or progressing over a period of time. Example: "The story has been unfolding for several months, revealing new twists and turns with each chapter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obama's work in this area has been unfolding for months.

The Washington Post

This crisis has been unfolding for five long years.

The Guardian - Opinion

The collapse of the Knicks has been unfolding for years.

The New York Times

These questions are part of a narrative that has been unfolding for many years.

Yale University

A different drama has been unfolding at Deutsche Telekom, Germany's former telephone monopoly.

The Economist

And the same story has been unfolding in the USA, Canada, Australia and most European countries.

The Guardian

But a similar spectacle has been unfolding for months next door in Georgia.

The Washington Post

A door-to-door, get-out-the-vote effort has been unfolding.

The New York Times

A humanitarian crisis has been unfolding in Paris, and it is clearly a novel phenomenon.

The New Yorker

It is the latest development of a color revolution that has been unfolding for more than a century.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The economic slowdown puts a twist into the Apple-in-China saga that has been unfolding over several years.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been unfolding" to describe events or situations that have developed gradually and are still in progress. This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the process.

Common error

Avoid using "has been unfolding" when describing a finished or static event. The phrase implies continuous development, so ensure the context reflects this ongoing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been unfolding" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. It indicates an action or event that started in the past, continues into the present, and is still developing. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been unfolding" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted for describing events that began in the past and continue to develop into the present. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation. Analysis of usage patterns reveals that it is most frequently found in News & Media, followed by Academia. To enhance writing, remember to reserve it for describing ongoing events and avoid overusing it in static contexts. Consider alternative phrases such as "has been developing" or "has been progressing" to add nuance and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been developing

Focuses more on the progression of events rather than the revelation.

has been progressing

Implies forward movement and advancement over time.

has been evolving

Suggests a gradual transformation or change.

has been transpiring

A more formal way to indicate that something is taking place or occurring.

has been emerging

Highlights the appearance or coming into existence of something.

has been materializing

Indicates that something is becoming real or concrete.

has been brewing

Suggests a build-up or gradual development, often implying tension or anticipation.

has been taking shape

Focuses on the formation and development of something.

has been in the works

Emphasizes that something has been planned or prepared over a period of time.

has been playing out

Describes how a situation or event is progressing, often with dramatic or unpredictable elements.

FAQs

How can I use "has been unfolding" in a sentence?

Use "has been unfolding" to describe an event that's progressively developing. For example, "The mystery "has been unfolding" over the past few weeks".

What are some alternatives to "has been unfolding"?

You can use phrases like "has been developing", "has been progressing", or "has been evolving" as alternatives to "has been unfolding", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "has been unfolding" to describe a past event?

While "has been unfolding" implies an ongoing process, it can refer to the recent past if the effects or consequences are still relevant. Otherwise, consider using a simple past tense phrase.

What is the difference between "has been unfolding" and "has unfolded"?

"Has been unfolding" emphasizes the continuous and progressive nature of the event, while "has unfolded" suggests the event is completed or revealed. Choose based on whether you want to highlight the process or the outcome.