it is unfolding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is unfolding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that is developing or becoming clearer over time. Example: "The story is still in its early stages, and it is unfolding in unexpected ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Together they show the Path, still in its infancy, as it is unfolding today.

Harvard University

Now Italy is in the midst of its own Profumo affair, but it is unfolding in the world of high finance; there is no sex involved; and this time nobody called Profumo will be doing the resigning.

The Economist

Many prosecution witnesses — mostly church staff members — unnecessarily doubled as "victims"; the defense, for its part, has spent its precious cross-examination time asking questions like "Doesn't Christ teach you forgiveness?" The Pussy Riot trial is Russia's Nazis-in-Skokie moment, its Hustler v. Falwell, but it is unfolding amid universal disregard for the letter of the law.

The New York Times

It is unfolding today before our eyes".

The New York Times

Nevertheless it is unfolding before our eyes.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is unfolding today before our very eyes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It's unfolding here.

The Guardian

It's unfolding right now," one scientist says.

The Washington Post

It's unfolding pretty much in real time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As Ms. Rice recalled today, "Once the operation starts to unfold, it's unfolding.

The New York Times

It's unfolding right now," the study's lead author says.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is unfolding" to describe situations where there is a sense of gradual revelation or development, especially when the outcome is not yet fully known. This phrase is effective when emphasizing the dynamic nature of events.

Common error

Avoid using "it is unfolding" to describe static situations or events that have already concluded. This phrase is most effective when describing ongoing processes, not past certainties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unfolding" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, typically serving as the main verb in the present continuous tense. It describes an action or event that is currently in progress or developing. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science & Research

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is unfolding" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe events and situations that are currently developing or being revealed. Ludwig AI data shows its common use across diverse fields like news, academia, and science, emphasizing its wide applicability. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone and suitable for formal contexts, it’s crucial to use it accurately, emphasizing ongoing processes rather than static, concluded events. Alternatives like "it is developing" or "it is progressing" can be used to fine-tune the nuance based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unfolding gradually

Adds emphasis to the slow and incremental nature of the process.

it is developing

Focuses on the process of growth or maturation, lacking the sense of revelation.

it is progressing

Highlights forward movement, without necessarily implying a revelation or clarification.

it is evolving

Emphasizes gradual change and adaptation, often in a more complex or sophisticated way.

it is materializing

Implies something is becoming real or concrete, often from a less tangible state.

it is emerging

Suggests something is coming into view or becoming known, often after being hidden or unclear.

it is transpiring

Indicates that something is happening or taking place, sometimes with an element of secrecy or unexpectedness.

it is taking shape

Implies that something is gradually forming into a more defined structure or form.

it is playing out

Focuses on the unfolding of a sequence of events, often with a sense of drama or consequence.

it is coming to fruition

Emphasizes the achievement of a goal or the realization of a plan after a period of development.

FAQs

How can I use "it is unfolding" in a sentence?

Use "it is unfolding" to describe a process or event that is gradually developing or being revealed. For example, "The political situation is complex, and "it is unfolding" in unexpected ways".

What can I say instead of "it is unfolding"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is developing", "it is progressing", or "it is evolving", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "it is unfolding" in formal writing?

Yes, "it is unfolding" is appropriate for formal writing. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports. However, ensure that the context aligns with the phrase's meaning of gradual revelation or development.

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

"It is unfolding" describes an ongoing process, while "it has unfolded" describes a process that is now complete. For example, "The plan "it is unfolding" as expected" (ongoing) versus "The plan "it has unfolded" perfectly" (completed).