a developing story

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a developing story" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in journalism to refer to news events that are ongoing and subject to change as new information becomes available. Example: "The situation in the city is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more details emerge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But that is a developing story.

The New York Times

"Clearly this is a developing story, the details of which are still emerging.

The Guardian - Sport

WITH a sense of irony, Mr. Pepper has also been following a developing story at New York University.

The New York Times

This is a developing story, and here is one more part to it, one more place to begin.

The New Yorker

That's a developing story for midsummer camp, when the Jets are likely to prove once and for all they never needed Tebow to create a circus.

The New York Times - Sports

The recovery from Hurricane Sandy is still a developing story, but not one that seems to be playing to Mr. Romney's benefit.

The New York Times

In a developing story, say hearings on the NSA scandal, readers want quotes, live blogging, snapshots – all easy to grab while on the go.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Richardson's biography is very much a part of this developing story.

The New York Times - Books

"I think this is a very, very important developing story.

TechCrunch

This is a breaking news and developing story.

Huffington Post

Developing story.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, be prepared to provide updates as new information emerges.

Common error

Avoid using "a developing story" without a plan to update the information. Stale updates can erode trust and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a developing story" functions as a noun phrase that modifies a subject, often implying ongoing events. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct, which is confirmed by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a developing story" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, predominantly in news and media, to signal that a situation is still unfolding and subject to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is primarily informative, indicating to the audience that further updates are expected. While the phrase is neutral in register, ensuring timely updates when using it is crucial to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "an unfolding situation" or "an evolving situation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An unfolding situation

Focuses on the gradual revelation of events as they happen.

An evolving situation

Highlights the changes and transformations occurring over time.

A fluid situation

Emphasizes the instability and dynamic nature of the circumstances.

An emerging situation

Indicates that the situation is just beginning to take shape.

A breaking situation

Implies sudden and significant developments are occurring.

Ongoing developments

Highlights the continuous progression of events.

Current events

Refers to events that are happening at the present time.

Latest developments

Focuses on the most recent updates and changes.

A developing narrative

Highlights the storytelling aspect of unfolding events.

An unfolding drama

Emphasizes the dramatic and engaging nature of the events.

FAQs

What does "a developing story" mean?

The phrase "a developing story" refers to a news event or situation where details are still emerging and subject to change as more information becomes available.

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

You might say, "The investigation is "a developing story", and we will provide updates as we learn more." It indicates the situation is unfolding and not yet fully understood.

What can I say instead of "a developing story"?

You can use alternatives like "an unfolding situation", "an evolving situation", or "an emerging situation" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a developing story" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate. While common in news and media, the phrase "a developing story" is acceptable in formal contexts to describe an ongoing event where details are still unfolding.