what unfolds

USAGE SUMMARY

"what unfolds" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to events or situations that are developing or becoming visible over time. Example: "As the movie progresses, we see what unfolds in the complex relationships between the main characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What unfolds is a slow-moving catastrophe.

Independent

They are waiting to see what unfolds.

The New York Times - Sports

I cannot wait to see what unfolds in 2013!

University of California, Berkeley

What unfolds is a complex, typically unclassifiable work.

The Guardian

What unfolds is the ultimate Edwards gag — and it isn't funny at all.

The New York Times

Most of the potential candidates are lying low, watching what unfolds.

The New York Times

He plans to tour in the United States, but it depends on what unfolds in Egypt.

The New York Times

But what unfolds is a likeable story of the human spirit.

The New York Times

Normally animated before class begins, the students are eerily silent as they witness what unfolds.

Harvard Business Review

He added, "Once we see what unfolds tomorrow, we can make a determination".

The New York Times - Sports

And then we should wait to see what unfolds within the Hamas-led Palestinian government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what unfolds" when you want to emphasize the gradual revelation or development of events, especially when there's an element of uncertainty or anticipation involved.

Common error

Avoid using "what unfolds" in very simple or straightforward narratives where a more direct phrase like "what happened" would suffice. "What unfolds" is best suited for situations with a degree of complexity or suspense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what unfolds" functions as a noun clause, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the events or circumstances that gradually reveal themselves. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what unfolds" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a noun clause, commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science. According to Ludwig AI, it’s versatile and applicable in numerous scenarios. The phrase is used to describe the progression and revelation of events. It suggests a sense of anticipation or gradual development, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts where detail and sophistication are valued. Alternatives like "what happens" or "what transpires" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what transpires

This alternative focuses on the occurrence of events, often implying a sense of unexpectedness or drama.

what happens

A more general and straightforward way to describe the occurrence of events.

what develops

This suggests a gradual process of growth or evolution.

what materializes

This implies that something becomes real or visible after a period of time.

what emerges

Similar to 'what develops,' but emphasizes the coming into view or prominence.

the ensuing events

This phrase focuses on events that follow a particular action or situation.

how things play out

An idiomatic expression describing the way a situation or event progresses and concludes.

the resulting situation

Focuses on the outcome or state of affairs that arises as a consequence of something.

the sequence of events

Emphasizes the order in which things happen, often in a narrative or historical context.

the course of events

A broader term for the way things progress and change over time.

FAQs

How can I use "what unfolds" in a sentence?

You can use "what unfolds" to describe the progression of events, as in "We are eager to see "what unfolds" during the negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "what unfolds"?

Alternatives include "what happens", "what develops", or "what transpires", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "what unfolds" formal or informal?

"What unfolds" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in writing and speech that require a degree of sophistication or detail.

What is the difference between "what unfolds" and "what occurs"?

"What occurs" simply means what takes place, whereas ""what unfolds"" implies a process of gradual revelation or development over time.