unfolding

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unfolding' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the gradual revelation or uncovering of something. For example, "The unfolding story of the missing man captured the attention of the nation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The yes team had already begun unfolding a far more damaging campaign for the final weeks: attacking the UK government and Better Together over the future of the NHS.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, it is my policy to leave no bandwagon unjumped, and so here's my contribution to the unfolding brouhaha.

The Guardian - Opinion

Session 9: Developing your subject - Monday 9th November Participants will bring in a second 500 word scene, one which is key to the unfolding narrative, a 'turning-point' scene.

The Guardian

Yet what has been unfolding in the past 15 months or so should make even the most ardent pro-European think about an orderly mechanism for making member states exit: the euro crisis and, less obviously, Hungary's backsliding from liberal democracy to a soft form of authoritarianism, or what an American paper recently called "Lukashenko lite".

The Guardian - Opinion

The alarm over the unfolding disaster was raised shortly after 6am by fishing boats who noticed a vessel in trouble off the Lampedusa coast near Isola dei Conigli (Rabbits' Island).

The Guardian

The two unfolding spy stories resonate powerfully with each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is encouraging to see that the Guardian is at last beginning to take notice of the tragedy unfolding in Hungary under the rightwing government (Editorial, 26 December).

The Guardian

But the king reminds him that he is from a famously unstable family and hints that Monrad's own recklessness is to blame for the tragedy we have watched unfolding.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

City investors may have been watching the general election on Thursday, but they also kept half an eye on the drama unfolding on eurozone bond markets.

The Guardian - Business

And Universal offered teen-skewing horror Unfriended, which boasts the high-concept hook of unfolding essentially within an online video chat session on a laptop.

The Guardian - Film

But with the help of new arrivals at Bucca, those inside the prison had been able to monitor every new development in the unfolding sectarian war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfolding" to describe events that are progressively revealed or developed over time, especially when you want to create a sense of anticipation or gradual understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "unfolding" to describe a state or situation that is not actively developing or being revealed. For example, instead of "the unfolding landscape", consider "the expansive landscape" if there's no sense of progressive revelation.

Linguistic Context

The word "unfolding" primarily functions as a present participle or gerund, often used to modify nouns and describe a process in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfolding" is a versatile word, functioning mainly as a present participle or gerund, employed to depict a gradual process of revelation or development. It’s grammatically sound, widely used in various contexts with emphasis on News & Media, according to Ludwig AI. While alternatives like "developing" or "emerging" exist, "unfolding" uniquely captures the sense of events being progressively revealed. Its consistent use in reputable sources, such as The Guardian and The Economist, underscores its authority and neutrality, making it a valuable tool for conveying anticipation and drawing attention to evolving situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revealing

Directly focuses on the act of making something known, while "unfolding" implies a gradual process.

developing

Focuses more on the active process of growth or maturation, while "unfolding" emphasizes revelation.

emerging

Highlights the act of something coming into view or existence, while "unfolding" suggests a process of gradual revelation.

evolving

Emphasizes gradual change and adaptation over time, while "unfolding" can refer to a more immediate revelation.

occurring

Describes something happening or taking place, lacking the nuance of gradual revelation inherent in "unfolding".

transpiring

Refers to events happening or becoming known, similar to "unfolding" but less focused on the revealing aspect.

unleashing

Implies a sudden release or activation, differing from the gradual revelation suggested by "unfolding".

mounting

Suggests an increase or accumulation, differing from the revelatory aspect of "unfolding".

illustrating

Highlights the act of clarifying or demonstrating, whereas "unfolding" refers to a process of revelation.

holding

Indicates a state of possession or control, contrasting with the dynamic progression implied by "unfolding".

FAQs

How can I use "unfolding" in a sentence?

You can use "unfolding" to describe a situation that is gradually being revealed or developing. For example, "The "unfolding drama" captivated audiences" or "The "unfolding events" led to significant changes".

What are some alternatives to "unfolding"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "developing", "emerging", or "revealing". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize gradual development, the act of becoming known, or the process of revelation.

Is it correct to use "unfolding" to describe a static object?

Generally, "unfolding" implies a process or progression. It's less appropriate for describing static objects unless you're referring to a process associated with that object, like "the "unfolding flower"".

What's the difference between "unfolding" and "happening"?

"Happening" simply indicates that an event is taking place. "Unfolding", however, suggests a process of gradual revelation or development, creating a sense of anticipation or progressive understanding. The "unfolding story" implies a narrative that's gradually being revealed, while "happening" is more neutral.