a shared story

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shared story" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a narrative or experience that is collectively understood or experienced by a group of people. Example: "The community came together to create a shared story that reflected their struggles and triumphs over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

With adoption, this is a shared story.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It provides them with a shared story of what their government could be about.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Twitter and Facebook turned it into a shared story, while the simplicity and directness of online giving enabled people to give quickly and easily.

The Guardian

"He said to me, 'Jen, this is a shared story,' and in a way I felt this gave me the permission to tell it".

The Guardian - Film

Part of the success of London, specifically, is as a result of its multireligious and multiethnic environment, but the time has come for Londoners to develop a shared story in order to have a meaningful and secure future.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which is presumably the reason each of the ­novel's chapters starts with a dictionary definition: "Family history: a shared story"; "Saint: a person of great holiness, virtue or benevolence"; "Jell-O: a brand name for a dessert made from a mixture of gelatin, sugar and fruit flavoring".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

However, these policies tell only a small part of their shared story.

Independent

But in Parkersburg, a few employees shared stories.

The New York Times

A number of children shared stories of concern expressed by military officers for their education.

Unicef

The immigrants who allowed me to photograph them shared stories of a hard life.

The New York Times

They shared stories of a man who was surprisingly charming, frustratingly stubborn and unfailingly kind.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about diverse groups, consider how "a shared story" can bridge cultural gaps and foster empathy, highlighting common values and experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "a shared story" when the experience is not genuinely shared by all members of the group you are describing. Ensure that the narrative accurately reflects the perspectives and experiences of everyone involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shared story" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a narrative or experience that is collectively understood. It refers to a narrative commonly experienced by a group.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a shared story" is a commonly used noun phrase that highlights a collective narrative or experience, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and functions to emphasize unity and connection. While suitable for various contexts, it's particularly frequent in news, media, and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that the story is genuinely shared and accurately represents the perspectives of everyone involved. Consider alternatives like "collective narrative" or "common history" to further fine-tune your message. Ludwig shows that authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collective narrative

Emphasizes the group aspect of the story, highlighting that it's created or experienced together.

a common history

Focuses on the historical events and experiences that a group has in common, implying a shared understanding of the past.

a mutual understanding

Highlights the shared comprehension and agreement on a particular topic or situation, which can form the basis of a story.

a unified account

Suggests a single, consistent version of events that is agreed upon by everyone involved.

a collaborative tale

Implies that the story was created through the joint efforts of multiple individuals.

a communal experience

Focuses on the shared experience that forms the basis of a story, emphasizing the emotional connection between people.

a connected saga

Highlights that the story connects many individuals.

an intertwined narrative

Highlights the interconnectedness of different elements or perspectives within the story.

a group's narrative

Focuses on a story specific to a group.

a family's story

Focuses on a story specific to a family.

FAQs

How can "a shared story" promote unity?

By highlighting common experiences, values, and goals, "a shared story" can foster a sense of belonging and mutual understanding within a group or community.

What's the difference between "a shared story" and "personal narrative"?

"A shared story" focuses on a collective experience, while a personal narrative reflects an individual's perspective and experiences.

When is it appropriate to use "a shared story" in writing?

Use "a shared story" when you are describing a narrative, history, or experience that is understood and experienced collectively by a group of people. It's best when emphasizing unity or common ground.

What are some synonyms for "a shared story"?

Alternatives include "collective narrative", "common history", or "mutual understanding", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.