this is unfolding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is unfolding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is currently developing or progressing over time. Example: "The investigation is ongoing, and new evidence is emerging; this is unfolding in real-time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

7.56pm BST 9 min: This is unfolding at a blazing pace!

The Guardian - Sport

After four quakes 7.9 or bigger in the area since late 2004, this is unfolding as one of those periods.

The New York Times - Sports

This is unfolding as recent polls indicate that the race is getting closer, at the national level and in some key battleground states.

The New Yorker

All of this is unfolding at a time when the country's politics appear to be as volatile as they were in the Watergate era.

The New Yorker

So does big trouble loom?Things won't be pretty for Kentucky for a little while, but neither will America face disaster (indeed, something very like this is unfolding in Nevada at the moment, and yet the American union seems safe).

The Economist

All this is unfolding in a country that has become strained to its limits, with worsening public services, inflation so high that most locals rely on remittences from relatives living abroad, and an unemployment rate so high that you hardly meet a young Lebanese not looking to emigrate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Opportunistic extremist elements came to the consulate as this was unfolding.

The Guardian

"All of this was unfolding on several other fronts," Ms. Rice said.

The New York Times

As all this was unfolding, Brandt Snedeker had already flown off the rails.

The Guardian - Sport

(While all this was unfolding, Amy Davidson had some tough questions about the puzzling way the case was covered in the press).

The New Yorker

At the time this was unfolding, I even put that in an email to Harvey's person - Charlie Prince.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is unfolding" to describe a situation that is actively progressing and revealing new details. It's best suited for scenarios where the outcome is not yet fully known.

Common error

Avoid using "this is unfolding" for situations that are already complete or static. The phrase implies a dynamic process, so it's unsuitable for describing finished events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is unfolding" functions as a present continuous construction, emphasizing the ongoing nature of an event or situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it aptly describes scenarios where developments are actively progressing, similar to examples found in various news articles and scientific publications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is unfolding" is a versatile phrase used to describe events and situations currently in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability, particularly in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the situation is genuinely developing and avoid applying it to static or completed events. Consider alternatives like "this is developing" or "this is progressing" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. The phrase's frequent use in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is developing

Focuses on the process of growth and advancement of the situation.

This is progressing

Emphasizes the forward movement and advancement of the event.

This is evolving

Highlights the gradual transformation and change occurring.

This is transpiring

Suggests that the event is occurring and becoming known.

This is happening

A more straightforward and general way to describe an event in progress.

This is materializing

Indicates that something is becoming real or concrete.

This is taking shape

Focuses on the formation and development of a situation or plan.

This is coming to pass

Suggests that an event is fulfilling a prediction or expectation.

This is playing out

Implies the unfolding of events in a dramatic or public way.

This is taking place

A neutral expression for an event that is occurring at a specific time and location.

FAQs

What does "this is unfolding" mean?

The phrase "this is unfolding" means that a situation or event is currently developing and progressing. It suggests that new details are being revealed over time.

How can I use "this is unfolding" in a sentence?

You can use "this is unfolding" to describe a situation that is actively in progress. For example, "The investigation is ongoing, and new evidence is emerging; "this is unfolding" in real-time."

What are some alternatives to "this is unfolding"?

Alternatives include "this is developing", "this is progressing", or "this is happening", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this is unfolding" in formal writing?

Yes, "this is unfolding" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing ongoing events or processes in news reports, academic papers, or business communications.