it will unfold

USAGE SUMMARY

"it will unfold" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used when describing a future event or process that will gradually reveal itself or become clearer over time. Example: As the investigation progresses, more evidence will be gathered and analyzed, and the truth of the matter will unfold.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Tomorrow he will discuss it and play excerpts at Free103point9, a gallery in Brooklyn, and on Friday it will unfold in its full 24-hour glory at the cavernous Theo Kupfer Foundry and Ironworks in Madison, Wis.

The New York Times - Arts

When this trifolded graft is placed in the patient's eye, it will unfold on its own.

Johns Hopkins University

I'm not sure exactly how it will unfold.

Cornell University

Stay with one, and it will unfold into a meditation on birth, death, longing or loneliness.

The New York Times

One of the reasons it has been tested so often is to ensure that it will unfold properly every time.

The New York Times - Science

It will unfold over three days at three independent bookstores — Word, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn; Housing Works Bookstore and Café, in SoHo; and Molasses Books, in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Nothing at this tournament, it seems, will unfold as expected.

The New York Times - Sports

The company will unfold it to normal size before they send it back to you.

WikiHow

But it also determines what will unfold – the plot.

The Guardian - Books

Nor, staffers concede, is the committee itself even sure of the exact procedure that will unfold if it votes to declassify part of the report, let alone how long it will take.

The Guardian

"We are certainly competing hard and have plans based on how we think Black Friday will unfold but it is very hard to estimate.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will unfold" when you want to convey a sense of gradual revelation or development of a situation, plot, or plan over time. This phrase is particularly effective when describing processes that are not immediately apparent but will become clearer as they progress.

Common error

Don't use "it will unfold" as a simple substitute for "it will happen" or "it will occur" in scenarios where the gradual revealing aspect isn't relevant. Reserve it for situations where the process of becoming known is as important as the event itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will unfold" functions as a future tense verb phrase, indicating a future event or process that will gradually reveal itself or develop over time. It's often used to describe the progression of a story, a plan, or a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Wiki

6.25%

Formal & Business

6.25%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it will unfold" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that predicts a future event's gradual revelation or development. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, with a particular prevalence in News & Media. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the process of becoming known is significant, rather than a simple statement of future occurrence. Consider alternatives like "it will develop" or "it will emerge" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will transpire

Replaces 'unfold' with 'transpire', suggesting a revealing or becoming known, often unexpectedly.

it will come to pass

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic expression, implying that an event will happen or occur.

it will materialize

Focuses on the event becoming real or concrete, rather than gradually revealing itself.

it will become clear

Shifts the focus to understanding or clarity that will emerge over time.

it will develop

Highlights the process of growth or evolution, rather than the unveiling of something already present.

it will evolve

Similar to 'develop', but suggests a more gradual and complex transformation.

it will progress

Emphasizes the forward movement or advancement of a situation.

it will play out

Suggests a sequence of events happening in a particular way, like a performance or game.

it will unravel

Implies that details of something complicated or mysterious will become known.

it will emerge

Focuses on the event appearing or becoming visible, often after being hidden or unclear.

FAQs

How can I use "it will unfold" in a sentence?

You can use "it will unfold" to describe how a situation or event will gradually become clear or develop over time. For example, "As the investigation continues, the truth "it will unfold"."

What are some alternatives to "it will unfold"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it will develop", "it will emerge", or "it will become clear" instead of "it will unfold".

Is "it will unfold" formal or informal?

"It will unfold" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "it will unfold" and "it will happen"?

"It will unfold" implies a gradual revealing or development of something, whereas "it will happen" simply indicates that something will occur. The former suggests a process, while the latter is a statement of fact.