Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it's unfolding
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
23 human-written examples
It's unfolding right now," the study's lead author says.
News & Media
It's unfolding here.
News & Media
It's unfolding right now," one scientist says.
News & Media
It's unfolding pretty much in real time.
News & Media
It's unfolding at work, when the boss isn't looking.
News & Media
As Ms. Rice recalled today, "Once the operation starts to unfold, it's unfolding.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
37 human-written examples
Together they show the Path, still in its infancy, as it is unfolding today.
Academia
This is President Obama's Rwanda moment, and it is unfolding now, in slow motion.
News & Media
It is unfolding today before our eyes".
News & Media
Nevertheless it is unfolding before our eyes.
News & Media
It is unfolding today before our very eyes.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In very formal academic writing, consider using the uncontracted "it is unfolding" for a more serious tone.
Common error
Do not use "it's unfolding" to describe a state that is already finished or static. The phrase inherently requires a sense of movement or a sequence of events that have not yet reached their conclusion.
Source & Trust
95%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it's unfolding" functions as a main clause consisting of a dummy or situational subject ("it"), a contracted auxiliary verb ("'s" for "is") and a present participle ("unfolding"). According to data from Ludwig, this structure creates a present continuous aspect, which is used to describe actions that are currently in progress or situations that are developing at the moment of speaking or writing.
Frequent in
News & Media
65%
Formal & Business
15%
Academia
10%
Less common in
Science
5%
Social Media
3%
Wiki
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "it's unfolding" is an essential linguistic tool for writers who wish to capture the momentum of a live event. Through analysis of Ludwig AI data, it is clear that this phrase is most effective when describing complex situations—ranging from political scandals to environmental changes—where the full outcome is not yet visible. Its frequent appearance in authoritative outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian confirms its status as a sophisticated yet accessible way to convey development. While highly versatile, writers should remember to use the uncontracted form in strictly formal environments and ensure the context supports a sense of ongoing action.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it is playing out
Suggests a more dramatic or cinematic progression of events
it is in progress
More formal and often used in administrative or technical contexts
the situation is developing
Places more focus on the 'situation' as a noun rather than the abstract 'it'
it is transpiring
Significantly more formal and slightly less common in casual speech
it is taking place
More neutral and focuses on the occurrence rather than the gradual reveal
it is coming to light
Implies that information is being revealed rather than just happening
it is materializing
Suggests a process of becoming physical or concrete
it is evolving
Emphasizes the change and adaptation within the process
it is surfacing
Suggests something hidden is becoming visible
things are moving forward
Uses a plural subject and focuses on advancement
FAQs
How do I use "it's unfolding" in a sentence?
You can use it to describe an ongoing event, such as "The story is shocking as "it's unfolding" before our eyes." Similar phrases include "it is playing out" or "it is developing".
What is the difference between "it's unfolding" and "it unfolds"?
"it's unfolding" uses the continuous aspect to emphasize that the action is currently in progress. In contrast, "it unfolds" is often used for general truths or habitual actions.
Is "it's unfolding" too informal for business reports?
While the contraction is common in news media, for formal business or academic reports, it is safer to use ""it is unfolding"" to maintain a professional tone.
What can I say instead of "it's unfolding"?
Depending on the context, you can use "it is taking place", "it is transpiring", or "it is emerging".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
95%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested