it was unfolding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was unfolding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that is gradually developing or revealing itself over time. Example: "As the story progressed, it was unfolding in ways I never expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

As a student, she immersed herself in Conceptualism as it was unfolding in America and Europe.

The New York Times - Arts

"What we did was document the Halbach case as it was unfolding," she added.

The Guardian

It was one of the rare instances when he had to handle a violent crime as it was unfolding.

Harvard University

If U.S. forces saw evidence of the massacre as it was unfolding, did they make any attempt to intervene?

The New Yorker

Carey, to her credit, was the only one frank or funny enough to acknowledge the debacle as it was unfolding.

The New Yorker

Wildstein's account was the first testimony to suggest that Christie knew about the scheme while it was unfolding.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

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

Harvard University

It's unfolding here.

The Guardian

It is unfolding today before our eyes".

The New York Times

Nevertheless it is unfolding before our eyes.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was unfolding" to describe a process, situation, or event that is gradually revealing itself over time. This phrase is particularly useful when highlighting the dynamic nature of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "it was unfolding" when describing static or unchanging situations. This phrase implies movement and progression, so it is not appropriate for describing stable conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unfolding" primarily functions as part of a verb phrase, describing an event or situation that is gradually developing or being revealed over time. Ludwig shows many examples of this usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was unfolding" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a situation or event that is gradually developing or being revealed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in academic and scientific writing. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context involves progression rather than static conditions. Consider alternatives like "it was developing" or "it was emerging" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was developing

Focuses on the gradual growth or progression of something.

it was progressing

Emphasizes forward movement or advancement.

it was evolving

Highlights gradual change and transformation.

it was happening

A more general term indicating that an event was taking place.

it was transpiring

A more formal way of saying 'it was happening'.

it was materializing

Suggests something was becoming real or visible.

it was emerging

Implies something was coming into existence or prominence.

it was playing out

Focuses on the unfolding of a series of events.

it was taking shape

Highlights the formation or development of something.

it was coming to pass

A more literary way of saying 'it was happening'.

FAQs

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

Use "it was unfolding" to describe events or situations that are gradually developing or revealing themselves. For instance, "The mystery "it was unfolding" slowly, revealing new clues each day".

What's a more formal alternative to "it was unfolding"?

A more formal alternative is "it was transpiring". For example, instead of saying "The events "it was unfolding" rapidly", you could say "The events were transpiring rapidly".

Which is correct, "it was unfolding" or "it is unfolding"?

Both are correct, but they describe different time frames. "It was unfolding" refers to something that happened in the past, while "it is unfolding" refers to something happening now.

What can I say instead of "it was unfolding" to emphasize speed?

To emphasize speed, you could use phrases like "it was rapidly developing" or "it was quickly progressing".