it would unfurl

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would unfurl" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is opening up or spreading out, often in a metaphorical or poetic sense. Example: "As the sun rose, the petals of the flower would unfurl, revealing their vibrant colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Back then, did he have any idea that it would unfurl as this wildly complex masterpiece with a cult following?

The Guardian

It would unfurl itself over you and you would beat at it with your hands as it rolled over the crowd in a great wave, its slogan facing the floodlights and the night sky.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was fear of a photo op — that somebody would unfurl a political banner and take a picture atop China's most distinctive structure.

The New Yorker

One medical manufacturing company hired him to figure out how to fold a heart implant — a mesh heart support designed for people with congestive heart failure — so that it was compact enough to be implanted via a skinny tube but, when released from the tube, would unfurl properly around the heart.

The New Yorker

Now and then he would unfurl his tongue and burp and she would get into the mud with him.

The New Yorker

On occasion, a supporter of Mr. Bo would show up yelling a slogan, or a petitioner with an unrelated grievance would unfurl a banner, and the officers would urge them to move on.

The New York Times

"There were times I said, 'I wish you'd go home.' " When Mr. Bell was alone in the mountains or the desert, he would unfurl his sleeping bag and sleep under a tree or along the side of the road.

The New York Times

During the White House policy debate on Afghanistan, Mrs. Clinton went toe-to-toe with the Defense Department, producing color-coded maps that showed how a "civilian surge" would unfurl across Afghanistan.

The New York Times

He was trying to lose weight, and so, while the rest of us ate dinner, he would unfurl a piece of embroidered Andean cloth and take out a bag of coca leaves.

The New Yorker

Occasionally the frontman John Paul Pitts would unfurl his Rivers Cuomo-like yelp into a roar, but mostly he was deliberate, as was the band, which cycles through hazy indie rock classicism, light splatters of moody punk and bursts of Vampire Weekend-esque pseudo-African filigree in dutiful fashion.

The New York Times - Arts

Ticket buyers — as Disney and Marvel had hoped in plotting how this franchise would unfurl — also seemed to view "Iron Man 3" less as a sequel to "Iron Man 2" and more like a follow-up to "Marvel's The Avengers," which prominently featured the character and was the No. 1 movie of last year, taking in $1.5 billion globally.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it would unfurl" to describe the gradual and beautiful revealing of something, like a plan, a story, or even a physical object like a flag or flower. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to convey a sense of anticipation and unfolding beauty.

Common error

Avoid using "unfurl" when describing events or processes that don't have a visual or spatial component. For instance, saying "the argument would unfurl" might sound awkward. Instead, opt for alternatives like "develop" or "evolve" for abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would unfurl" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a future possibility or a conditional outcome. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. In this context, 'would' indicates a hypothetical or expected unfolding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it would unfurl" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase used to describe a gradual and often visually appealing unfolding or revelation. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is correct and fitting for describing future possibilities or conditional outcomes in contexts like News & Media and Science. When writing, consider using this phrase to evoke a sense of anticipation and elegant development. Bear in mind that alternatives such as "it would unfold" or "it would develop" may be more appropriate for abstract or non-visual contexts. According to Ludwig authoritative sources using this phrase often come from The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would unfold

Replaces "unfurl" with a more common synonym, maintaining the sense of something gradually revealing itself.

it would develop

Focuses on the progression and growth aspect of the original phrase.

it would evolve

Emphasizes a gradual change and transformation over time.

it would materialize

Highlights the coming into being or becoming visible aspect.

it would emerge

Suggests a coming forth or rising from a hidden state.

it would expand

Focuses on the increase in size or scope.

it would blossom

Implies a flourishing or reaching a peak of development.

it would be revealed

Highlights the act of making something known or visible.

it would come to light

Emphasizes the unveiling or discovery of something previously hidden.

it would take shape

Focuses on the formation or development of a definite form.

FAQs

What does "it would unfurl" mean?

The phrase "it would unfurl" suggests something that is gradually opening up, spreading out, or becoming revealed over time. It often implies a sense of anticipation or a beautiful, unfolding process, like a flag in the wind or a flower blooming.

How can I use "it would unfurl" in a sentence?

You can use "it would unfurl" to describe various scenarios. For example, "The plan for the new project "would unfurl" over the next few months", or "As the story progressed, the truth "would unfurl", revealing hidden secrets".

What are some alternatives to "it would unfurl"?

Alternatives to "it would unfurl" include phrases like "it would unfold", "it would develop", "it would emerge", or "it would materialize", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it would unfurl" instead of "it would unfold"?

While "it would unfurl" and "it would unfold" are similar, "it would unfurl" often carries a stronger sense of visual unfolding or elegant revelation. Use "it would unfurl" when you want to emphasize the beauty and gradual nature of the process, whereas "it would unfold" is a more general term for revealing information or events.