What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unfurl
Example
The sailors unfurled the sails to catch the wind. [unfurl: verb]
Example
The magician unfurled the cloth to reveal the rabbit inside. [unfurled: past tense verb]
unfold
Example
She unfolded the map to find their location. [unfold: verb]
Example
The plot of the movie slowly unfolded, revealing unexpected twists. [unfolded: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unfold is more commonly used than unfurl in everyday language. Unfold is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while unfurl is less common and typically used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unfurl and unfold?
Both unfurl and unfold are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
