Meaning & use

change of events

phrase·Everyday

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UK/ˌtʃeɪndʒ əv ɪˈvents/
US/ˌtʃeɪndʒ əv ɪˈvents/

Meaning

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    A shift in the way things are developing, often surprising or significant.

    Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, often after 'a' or 'the': a change of events.

    Patterns

    • a change of events
    • following a change of events

    There was a sudden change of events when the team scored twice.

    The change of events surprised everyone at the meeting.

    After a change of events, the project was approved.

Common combinations

a sudden change of events
A sudden change of events turned the game around.
a dramatic change of events
The movie has a dramatic change of events near the end.
due to a change of events
Due to a change of events, the concert was moved indoors.

Synonyms and how they differ

turn of events
The standard idiom for a surprising change in a situation; 'change of events' is less common and often considered a mistake.
development
A more neutral word for something that happens and changes a situation; it does not suggest surprise.

Commonly confused: change of events or turn of events?

change of events vs turn of events

This is the usual English phrase. 'Change of events' is sometimes used but sounds less natural; prefer 'turn of events' in writing.

Practice

Which phrase is the most natural English idiom for a surprising change in a situation?

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