that unfolded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that unfolded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events or situations that developed or revealed themselves over time. Example: "The story that unfolded during the investigation was both shocking and enlightening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Same as the game that unfolded Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

The events that unfolded were anything but.

The New York Times - Food

The events that unfolded next were pretty astounding.

Stanford University

It captured minute by minute the events that unfolded.

The Guardian - Opinion

We wanted it to be a building that unfolded itself gradually".

The New Yorker

At least 188 Taliban prisoners died in the ferocious battle that unfolded.

The New York Times

The crowning pleasure was, of course, the view that unfolded at the second stage.

The New York Times - Travel

When he travelled without her, he sent elaborate love letters that unfolded into paper sculptures.

The New Yorker

His hands never unclasped in the full half hour of the parliamentary horror show that unfolded.

The Times

That, though, gives only the bare bones of the drama that unfolded.

The Guardian - Sport

What she saw and the events that unfolded will play out in the coroner's court".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that unfolded" to describe events or situations that gradually reveal themselves or develop over time, creating a sense of progression or discovery. For instance, "The mystery that unfolded kept readers captivated until the very end."

Common error

Avoid using "that unfolded" in situations where a simpler verb like "happened" or "occurred" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or dramatic in straightforward accounts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that unfolded" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun phrase (such as "events", "story", "drama"). It adds descriptive detail, specifying which events or story is being referred to, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that unfolded" is a versatile relative clause used to describe events or situations that gradually develop or become known. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. While alternatives like "that transpired" or "that occurred" exist, "that unfolded" uniquely emphasizes the progressive revelation of events. It is prevalent in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedic entries, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. Overuse in simple narratives should be avoided to maintain clarity and conciseness. "That unfolded" enhances writing by adding depth and emphasizing the evolving nature of the described events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that transpired

Replaces "unfolded" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the occurrence of events.

that developed

Emphasizes the process of gradual change and emergence.

that occurred

A more direct and neutral alternative, simply stating that something happened.

that emerged

Highlights the appearance or revelation of something previously unknown.

that happened

A very common and simple alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

that played out

Suggests a more dramatic or theatrical unfolding of events.

that evolved

Highlights the gradual and complex development of something over time.

that came to pass

A more literary or archaic alternative, implying a sense of destiny or inevitability.

that ensued

Emphasizes the sequential nature of events, implying a direct consequence.

that materialized

Focuses on the concrete realization or appearance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "that unfolded" in a sentence?

Use "that unfolded" to describe a series of events or a situation that gradually became known or developed over time. For example, "The story "that unfolded" during the investigation was complex and surprising."

What are some alternatives to "that unfolded"?

You can use alternatives like "that transpired", "that occurred", or "that happened" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "that unfolded" in formal writing?

Yes, "that unfolded" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and choose the most precise and appropriate alternative if a simpler word conveys the meaning more effectively.

What is the difference between "that unfolded" and "that happened"?

"That unfolded" suggests a gradual development or revelation of events, while "that happened" is a more general and neutral way to describe something that occurred. Use "that unfolded" when you want to emphasize the unfolding or progressive nature of the events.