a clear narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a story or account that is easy to understand and follows a logical sequence. Example: "The author crafted a clear narrative that kept readers engaged from beginning to end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most of our major economic recoveries of the last century have had a clear narrative.

The New York Times - Magazine

He always has a clear narrative structure, and his characters often develop further than we expect.

The New Yorker

She is less interested in laying down a clear narrative than in creating and manipulating mood.

The New York Times - Books

This can be entertaining, but no amount of color can replace a clear narrative and analytic line.

The New York Times - Books

One problem for the networks was extracting a clear narrative from the many people they had reading the document simultaneously.

The New York Times

But his ability to create a clear narrative within complex compositions was one of his greatest strengths.

The Guardian - Arts

This is probably only partly because a clear narrative is easier to set out in opposition than in government".

The Guardian

Rugby needs a clear narrative and other feedback from fans shows that they want international players playing for their clubs.

The Guardian - Sport

They have helped him in the complex task of coordinating the commission's cross-divisional flash crash investigation team and presenting a clear narrative about what happened.

The New York Times

The book's terms and explanations are utterly simple; with a myriad of historical data, Piketty reduces the story of capitalism to a clear narrative arc.

The Guardian - Books

Well, the director is Terry Gilliam, so any viewer wishing to trace a clear narrative line, or more than a whisper of argument, will be fated to fail.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise language and avoid jargon to ensure your narrative is accessible to a broad audience. Define any technical terms or specialized concepts to prevent confusion.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary details that do not contribute to the core message. Focus on essential information to prevent readers from getting lost in irrelevant details and losing sight of the main points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear narrative" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "clear" is an adjective modifying the noun "narrative". It describes the quality of a story or account being easily understood due to its logical structure and presentation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Books

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clear narrative" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a story, account, or explanation that is easily understood due to its logical structure and straightforward presentation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity, backed by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It is crucial in contexts where clarity and accuracy are paramount, such as journalism, history, and legal settings. While alternatives like "a straightforward account" or "an understandable storyline" exist, the core meaning remains consistent: a message that is unambiguous and easy to follow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a straightforward account

Replaces "narrative" with a more direct term, emphasizing simplicity and ease of understanding.

an understandable storyline

Substitutes "narrative" with "storyline", highlighting the plot or sequence of events and using "understandable" for clarity.

a coherent explanation

Focuses on the explanatory aspect, implying that the narrative presents a logical and consistent understanding of events.

a lucid interpretation

Emphasizes the clarity and ease of understanding in the interpretation of events or information.

a well-defined story

Highlights that the story is properly shaped and described in detail.

an unambiguous portrayal

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the depiction of events or characters.

a distinct explanation

Indicates that the explanation is easily distinguishable and clear.

a precise description

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of the descriptive aspects of the narrative.

a transparent account

Suggests openness and honesty in the narrative, making it easy to see and understand the underlying facts.

a plain-spoken narrative

Highlights the simplicity and directness of the narrative's language, making it accessible to a wide audience.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear narrative" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear narrative" to describe a story or explanation that is easy to understand and follows a logical order. For example, "The historian presented "a clear narrative" of the events leading up to the war".

What's the difference between "a clear narrative" and "a coherent story"?

While both phrases suggest an understandable account, "a clear narrative" emphasizes the straightforward and unambiguous presentation of facts, whereas "a coherent story" focuses on the logical consistency and interconnectedness of events.

What are some alternatives to "a clear narrative"?

Alternatives to "a clear narrative" include "a straightforward account", "an understandable storyline", or "a coherent explanation", depending on the specific context.

In what situations is "a clear narrative" particularly important?

"A clear narrative" is especially important in fields like journalism, history, and law, where accurate and easily understandable accounts are crucial for conveying information effectively and avoiding misinterpretations.