it unfolded rapidly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it unfolded rapidly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that developed quickly or unexpectedly. Example: "The story of the investigation unfolded rapidly, leaving everyone in suspense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

She points out that "the whole conversation seen takes place in under four minutes, which shows it is unfolding rapidly for the two people taking part, and if it continues at this fast rate it may be valuable considering how someone unavailable will experience picking up their phone and needing to join in later along the thread".

Vice

Several coast guard, military and commercial vessels were involved in the rescue effort, which unfolded rapidly on Wednesday morning.

BBC

The investigation unfolded rapidly based on a note Sarkar left in the office where he killed professor William Klug.

Los Angeles Times

Events unfolded rapidly, requiring implementation of traditional control measures while generating in a matter of weeks an impressive body of knowledge about an unknown member of the coronavirus family.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

I was informed that one American writer sat for seven days in an actors' club without going home, or ceasing his tippling, but this was told me by a gentleman well into his own fourth day and "unfolding" rapidly, and its credibility is perhaps negligible.

The New Yorker

Some effects unfold rapidly, and others occur slowly.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

Despite these challenges, the future of protein biochips is unfolding rapidly.

MIT Technology Review

With world events unfolding rapidly new challenges are emerging which requires careful thought and even more careful action.

Independent

In one scene, Kushner describes Carmack's struggle to make a 3-D game that was simple enough to unfold rapidly on a personal computer.

The New York Times - Books

Grim's long immersion in Native American traditions has positioned him for larger, global conversations unfolding rapidly in the 21st century.

Yale University

There comes a point, he said, when you have to forget about the technology and stay focused on the events unfolding rapidly – and hopefully – in front of you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it unfolded rapidly" to describe events where the speed of development is crucial to the narrative or understanding. This phrase adds a sense of urgency and immediacy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it unfolded rapidly" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically sound, consider more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "developed swiftly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it unfolded rapidly" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun (often 'event', 'situation', 'story') to indicate the speed at which it progresses or develops. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it unfolded rapidly" is a grammatically sound and readily usable expression to convey that events progressed or developed quickly. While Ludwig AI marks it as valid, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a variety of contexts including news, general narratives, and even some academic writing. More formal alternatives are available. Though versatile, remember that overusing it in contexts demanding high formality might be less effective than opting for more refined synonyms. The phrase finds frequent use in news, scientific articles, and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it developed rapidly

Similar to "unfolded", but emphasizes the development or growth aspect.

it progressed swiftly

Focuses on the quick progression of events. Less emphasis on the unfolding or revealing aspect.

it evolved quickly

Highlights the evolution or development aspect, implying a change over a short period.

it played out quickly

Focuses on the completion of an event or series of events in a short time.

it transpired suddenly

Emphasizes the suddenness and unexpected nature of the event.

it accelerated swiftly

Emphasizes the increasing speed at which something happens.

it happened fast

A more informal way of saying something occurred quickly.

it materialized suddenly

Highlights the sudden appearance or realization of something.

it escalated quickly

Suggests a rapid increase in intensity or severity.

it burst forth suddenly

Conveys a sense of sudden and forceful emergence.

FAQs

What does "it unfolded rapidly" mean?

The phrase "it unfolded rapidly" means that something happened or developed very quickly. It suggests a fast and often unexpected progression of events.

What can I say instead of "it unfolded rapidly"?

You can use alternatives like "it developed quickly", "it progressed swiftly", or "it transpired suddenly" depending on the specific context.

Is "it unfolded rapidly" formal or informal?

"It unfolded rapidly" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing. It maintains a neutral tone that is widely acceptable.

How do I use "it unfolded rapidly" in a sentence?

You can use "it unfolded rapidly" to describe the progression of events in a narrative. For example, "The investigation unfolded rapidly after the new evidence was discovered."