Meaning & use
change of events
Last updated
Meaning
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?
Choose one answer.
'A turn of events' is the established idiom. 'A change of events' is understandable but not the standard phrase; 'shift of events' and 'move of events' are not used.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “change of events”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.