a complete story

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete story" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a narrative that has all the necessary elements, such as a beginning, middle, and end, and conveys a full message or theme. Example: "The author crafted a complete story that captivated readers from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a complete story.

Independent

"To me, the show is quite a complete story.

Independent

The numbers might not tell a complete story.

The New York Times - Health

"My Dad's Job" tells school-age children a complete story.

The New York Times - Books

Like many advertisements, however, it offers less than a complete story.

The New York Times

Each feature-length screening will include a complete story arc originally consisting of several episodes.

The New York Times - Arts

The dream was so vivid in all its details, that I mistook it for a complete story.

The New Yorker

Mr. Sigal's project, Mr. Roth said, raises the idea that a complete story can never be told.

The New York Times

None of these commodities appears in the IMF paper, so it does not tell a complete story.

The Economist

The discipline of telling a complete story each week can just as easily spur creative thinking as enforce dull repetition.

The New York Times - Arts

To start with, all we had was the first act, which is a complete story in itself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a complete story" when you want to emphasize that all necessary details and elements are included in a narrative or account, providing a full and satisfying understanding for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete story" when crucial details are missing or glossed over. If the narrative lacks key information, it's more accurate to describe it as "a partial account" or "an unfinished narrative."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete story" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "complete" modifies the noun "story". It indicates a narrative or account that is thorough, comprehensive, and self-contained. Ludwig shows that the phrase is used across various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions, to describe narratives that provide a full understanding of a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a complete story" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a thorough and comprehensive narrative. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "a full account" or "a comprehensive narrative" exist, the key is ensuring that the narrative provides a full and satisfying understanding. Remember to avoid using the phrase if crucial details are missing, and always strive for thoroughness when aiming to present "a complete story".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a full account

Focuses on the thoroughness of the information provided, implying a detailed explanation.

a comprehensive narrative

Emphasizes the breadth and depth of the storytelling, suggesting an all-encompassing account.

an entire narrative

Similar to "a complete story" but places more emphasis on the unbroken sequence of the story

a thorough description

Highlights the detail and exhaustiveness of the portrayal.

a self-contained account

Emphasizes that the account is independent and does not require additional information.

a rounded narrative

Suggests that the narrative is well-balanced and covers all important aspects.

a detailed history

Refers to a comprehensive examination of past events.

a finished narrative

Highlights that the account is brought to an end and does not require more insights.

a cohesive account

Emphasizes how well the facts and details fit together in the description.

a panoramic narrative

Implies the narrative presents a wide view of the related elements.

FAQs

How can I use "a complete story" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete story" to describe a narrative that has all the necessary elements and provides a full understanding, such as "The book tells "a complete story" of the war from multiple perspectives."

What are some alternatives to "a complete story"?

Alternatives include "a full account", "a comprehensive narrative", or "a detailed history", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to tell "a complete story"?

Not always. Sometimes, partial or fragmented narratives can be effective, depending on the artistic or communicative goal. However, for clarity and thorough understanding, providing "a complete story" is generally preferred.

What makes a story "complete"?

A story is "complete" when it includes all essential elements: a clear beginning, a developed middle with relevant details, and a satisfying conclusion. It should also address all key questions or concerns raised within the narrative.