unfolding of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfolding of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the passage of time, events as they occur, or philosophical reflections on time. Example: "As we reflect on our lives, we often consider the unfolding of time and how it shapes our experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Experience the unfolding of time," Pitt intones as stars erupt and waterfalls tumble in the Voyage of Time trailer.

The Guardian - Film

Forecasts are best guesses based on reasonable assumptions, but guesses nonetheless because the unfolding of time is dynamic.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And indeed there is a strong sense of ritual in the unfolding of this time-burnished text.

The Guardian

According to Weber, "About one-third of America's 40 or 50 million evangelical Christians... believe that the nation of Israel will play a central role in the unfolding of end-times events".

Huffington Post

In this paper, we argue that the suggested mirror-equivalence of "left-" and "right-" adjoined or -positioned constituents in syntax is misleading from the point of view of Interactional Linguistics and needs to be replaced by a positionally sensitive grammatical analysis, in which pre- and post-positioning is seen in the context of the sequential unfolding of conversation in time.

Language Sciences

We were interested in the sequencing and unfolding of events over time, the contextual factors identified as significant in specific cases and the reasoning behind particular decisions and actions, all aspects of practice that are more easily captured through focusing on concrete, rather than abstract, perspectives typical of interview methods.

BMJ Open

As discussed above, these properties leave one ill-equipped to link a REIM with other models, which depict the continuous unfolding of events over periods of time that are shorter than the observation or solution interval of the REIM.

Journal of Economic Structures

It includes excellent poems arranged chronologically, so you can see the unfolding of the form over time in (American) English.

Huffington Post

The second potential criticism is that the unfolding of the system through time in both stochastic and deterministic versions of the simulation, is represented by a sequence of states.

BMC Systems Biology

This was often based upon feeling intellectually stretched – being 'kept on your toes' – but there is also a persistent sense here that these community-based GPs feel intimately connected with the unfolding of new knowledge over time, of being part of history.

BMC Family Practice

Watch one of these films and explain the role of time in the unfolding of events.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfolding of time" when you want to emphasize the gradual revelation or development of events as time passes, particularly in narratives or philosophical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "unfolding of time" in highly technical or scientific writing where more precise terms like "temporal sequence" or "process duration" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfolding of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the way events and circumstances are revealed or develop gradually as time passes. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in both narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unfolding of time" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that describes the gradual revelation or development of events as time passes. While not extremely common, it is used in both news and scientific contexts, often to emphasize the progressive nature of a narrative or process. Ludwig indicates that it's a valid expression, though alternatives like "passage of time" or "progression of time" may be more suitable in certain situations. Remember to use it when you want to convey a sense of gradual discovery or development, and avoid overuse in highly technical contexts where more precise language is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Passage of time

Focuses on the continuous movement of time, rather than the revealing of events within it.

Flow of time

Emphasizes the continuous and smooth movement of time, similar to a river.

Progression of time

Highlights the sequential advancement of time.

Development over time

Focuses on how things evolve and change as time passes.

Evolution through time

Implies a gradual and complex development over an extended duration.

Course of events

Shifts the emphasis from time itself to the sequence of occurrences.

Historical development

Specifies the context of development as being within a historical narrative.

Emergence of events

Highlights the coming into being or appearance of particular occurrences.

Chronological order

Emphasizes the sequential arrangement of events according to their time of occurrence.

Temporal progression

Uses more formal language to indicate advancement through time.

FAQs

How can I use "unfolding of time" in a sentence?

You can use "unfolding of time" to describe the way events gradually reveal themselves or develop over time. For example: "The documentary explored the "unfolding of time" through historical events."

What are some alternatives to "unfolding of time"?

Alternatives include "passage of time", "flow of time", or "progression of time", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "unfolding of time" a formal or informal expression?

"Unfolding of time" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for both news and media and more academic contexts.

What's the difference between "unfolding of time" and "course of events"?

"Unfolding of time" emphasizes the temporal aspect and gradual revelation, while "course of events" focuses more on the sequence and interconnectedness of happenings.