to unfold

USAGE SUMMARY

"to unfold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to open something up, or to explain something that was confusing or explain the details of something. For example, you could say "She unfolded the map to find the hidden treasure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Loading… Pull to unfold.

The New Yorker

Summer begins to unfold.

The New York Times

They continue to unfold, endlessly.

The New Yorker

The second act has yet to unfold.

The New Yorker

The fight will take time to unfold.

The New York Times

Kerry has to allow events to unfold.

The New Yorker

Rabbinic debates had to unfold.

The New York Times - Food

Now, the mysteries begin to unfold.

The Guardian - Travel

"Your health crisis continues to unfold".

The New Yorker

And the tale continues to unfold.

The Washington Post

Another Bronx tale is about to unfold.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to unfold" when describing a gradual process of revelation or development, especially when highlighting the unfolding of events over time.

Common error

While versatile, don't use "to unfold" in situations where a simpler verb like "open" or "begin" suffices. "To unfold" implies a more complex or gradual revealing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to unfold" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used to describe the gradual revelation, development, or opening of something, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to unfold" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression, commonly used to depict a gradual process of revelation or development. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific writing, "to unfold" suggests a measured, often complex unveiling of events or information. When writing, use "to unfold" to describe a gradual process of revelation or development, especially when highlighting the unfolding of events over time. For similar expressions, consider using alternatives like "to develop" or "to reveal" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to develop

Focuses on the progression and evolution of something over time.

to reveal

Emphasizes the act of making something known or visible.

to transpire

Highlights the occurrence or taking place of an event.

to come to pass

Implies the fulfillment or realization of something.

to evolve

Suggests a gradual and progressive change or transformation.

to unravel

Indicates the process of something becoming clearer or more understandable, often after being complex or mysterious.

to surface

Highlights the emergence or coming to light of something previously hidden or unknown.

to materialize

Focuses on something becoming real or actual from a potential or abstract state.

to become apparent

Emphasizes the gradual revealing of something that was not initially obvious.

to be revealed

This is a passive way to express the revealing of some information

FAQs

How can I use "to unfold" in a sentence?

You can use "to unfold" to describe a process of gradual revelation, as in "The mystery began "to unfold" as the detective gathered more clues."

What are some alternatives to "to unfold"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to develop", "to reveal", or "to transpire".

Is it correct to use "to unfold" in a formal context?

Yes, "to unfold" is appropriate for formal contexts, particularly when describing the progression of events or the unveiling of a plan. It's frequently used in news and media reporting.

What's the difference between "to unfold" and "to happen"?

"To unfold" suggests a gradual and often complex process of development, while "to happen" simply indicates that an event occurred. For example, "The plan began "to unfold"" implies a step-by-step revelation, whereas "The plan happened" would only mean that the plan took place.