a common narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely accepted story or explanation that is shared among a group of people or within a particular context. Example: "In many cultures, the idea of the hero's journey is a common narrative that shapes their storytelling traditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Historians congregated around a common narrative.

The New York Times

You could say I fancy a common narrative of redemption.

The Guardian - Sport

The humbling of Peretz was a common narrative among his friends.

The New York Times - Magazine

His story is part of a common narrative, not a singular occurrence.

The Guardian

Alas, McGinn's self-defense echoes a common narrative in the discipline concerning its demographic challenges.

The New York Times

Even those institutions that could help the communities form a common narrative are missing opportunities.

The New York Times

It's a common narrative, and a popular one, in the food truck industry.

The Washington Post

The Eustace story became a common narrative pattern in medieval romance.

Britannica

This is a common narrative, but it ignores some stubborn facts.

The New Yorker

Indeed, the decade since has destroyed the very possibility of a common narrative.

The New Yorker

According to a common narrative, we have lived through a textbook instance of the madness of crowds.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common narrative" to introduce a well-known viewpoint before offering a contrasting argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a narrative is common to everyone. Specify the group or context to which the narrative applies (e.g., "a common narrative among historians").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common narrative" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to a widely accepted story or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common narrative" is a noun phrase denoting a widely accepted story or explanation within a specific group or context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media, science, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure the narrative is indeed widely recognized and specify the relevant group or context to avoid assumptions of universality. Alternatives such as "a shared understanding" or "a prevailing viewpoint" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. Keep in mind "a common narrative" is a versatile tool for referencing shared understandings and recurring themes across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consistent storyline

Highlights the consistency of the story.

a shared understanding

Focuses on the agreement and comprehension aspect, rather than the storytelling aspect.

a prevailing viewpoint

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance of a particular opinion or perspective.

a collective interpretation

Focuses on the group's shared meaning and understanding of something.

a widespread belief

Highlights the acceptance of an idea as truth by many people.

a popular account

Highlights the popularity of a particular description or explanation.

a dominant ideology

Refers to a set of beliefs that are held by the majority, often with implications of power.

a recurring theme

Highlights the repetitive nature of the idea and common occurrence, as opposed to it being a story.

an established wisdom

Focuses on something that has been accepted as true and wise over time.

a conventional wisdom

Focuses on something that has been accepted as true or sensible.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common narrative" to refer to a widely accepted story or explanation, such as "A common narrative is that success requires hard work and dedication".

What's a good alternative to "a common narrative"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a shared understanding", "a prevailing viewpoint", or "a widespread belief".

Is it always accurate to assume a narrative is "common"?

No, it's important to verify that the narrative is indeed widely recognized and accepted within the specific context or group you are discussing. Otherwise, it might be more accurate to say "a possible narrative" or "one narrative".

How does "a common narrative" differ from "conventional wisdom"?

While both refer to widely accepted ideas, "conventional wisdom" often implies a more traditional or long-standing belief, whereas "a common narrative" can refer to a more recent or evolving explanation.