it has unfolded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has unfolded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that has developed or revealed itself over time. Example: "As the investigation progressed, it has unfolded that there were multiple parties involved in the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It has unfolded in Canada for two reasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Seeing Mr. Kapoor's work as it has unfolded over time diminishes the new-model appearance his gallery shows can have.

The New York Times - Arts

The campaign itself has been short — just over two months — and it has unfolded in the heart of the summer when many voters have been vacationing.

The New York Times

American presidential politics can be played on any stage, and for the past two days it has unfolded behind closed doors in a courtroom in the Netherlands.

The New York Times

It has unfolded almost invisibly, largely unreported and sometimes misunderstood by news media, effectively camouflaged (by accident or design) by the government's relentless release of hardline criminal policy statements.

The Guardian

"It's amazing that it worked out this way because I said to the chairman that I really wanted Rangers at Ibrox and so it has unfolded.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Girardi, whose team might stand in the way, made sure he knew how it had unfolded.

The New York Times - Sports

Do I wish it had unfolded in a less dramatic, less traumatic way for all concerned?

The New York Times

Rylance had, he said, of course followed the Kelly story as it had unfolded, though not in any particular depth.

The Guardian

"Do I wish it had unfolded in a less dramatic, traumatic way for all concerned?" Mr. Clinton asked.

The New York Times

And since shortly after that, it had unfolded again and become something a little more itself, emerged from a pupa of unspecificity into sentience, an obsessive moment of now that trod heavy in time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "it has unfolded", consider if a more specific verb (e.g., "developed", "progressed", "transpired") might provide a richer understanding of the nature of the unfolding.

Common error

Avoid using "it has unfolded" when referring to future events; the phrase is best suited for describing past developments. Use future tenses or modal verbs to describe future events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has unfolded" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It describes an action or event that started in the past and continues to have relevance or effects in the present. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used to describe the gradual revelation of information or the development of a situation over time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has unfolded" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a process or event that has gradually revealed itself over time. Ludwig AI analysis finds that its primary function is to inform and explain, often with a neutral to professional tone. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent usage in News & Media and Scientific writing. For alternative ways to express the idea of a process that reveals itself try phrases like "it has transpired", "it has developed", or "it has evolved".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has transpired

Replaces "unfolded" with a more formal term, suggesting the occurrence or revelation of something.

it has come to pass

Emphasizes the eventual occurrence of something, often with a sense of inevitability.

it has materialized

Focuses on the concrete realization of something that was previously abstract or uncertain.

it has developed

Highlights the gradual evolution of a situation, lacking the sense of revelation.

it has progressed

Stresses the forward movement or advancement of a process or event.

it has evolved

Implies a more complex or organic development, often over a longer period.

it has played out

Suggests the enactment or performance of events, often with a dramatic or public quality.

it has ensued

Indicates that something has followed as a consequence or result of something else.

it has emerged

Highlights the appearance or rise of something from a previous state of obscurity or concealment.

it has arisen

Indicates the beginning or commencement of a situation or problem.

FAQs

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

Use "it has unfolded" to describe a process or event that has gradually revealed itself. For instance, "As the investigation progressed, "it has unfolded" that multiple parties were involved".

What are some alternatives to "it has unfolded"?

Alternatives include "it has transpired", "it has come to pass", or "it has developed", each offering slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is "it has unfolded" formal or informal?

"It has unfolded" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication. It's generally considered neutral.

What's the difference between "it has unfolded" and "it happened"?

"It happened" simply states that an event occurred, while ""it has unfolded"" suggests a process of gradual revelation or development. The latter implies a more complex or nuanced understanding of events.