a story of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a story of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a narrative, usually about a particular person or topic. For example: "A story of courage and resilience, the life of Rosa Parks is an inspiration to us all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a story of bad market conditions and a story of bad management.

Forbes

It's a story of redemption.

The New York Times

It's a story of salvation.

The New York Times - Books

His life is a story of resilience".

Independent

It's a story of police failure.

The Guardian

It is, ultimately, a story of healing.

The New York Times

Hers is a story of virtue victorious.

The New Yorker

This is a story of two sisters.

Independent

They tell a story of the brand.

The New York Times

This is a story of deliberate contrasts.

Independent

This is a story of intransigence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When beginning a narrative, use "a story of" to immediately signal the focus on a personal journey, historical event, or transformative experience to engage your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a story of" when simply providing factual information. Opt for phrases like "an account of" or "a description of" if the goal is to inform rather than narrate a story.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a story of" functions as a narrative introduction, setting the stage for a specific account or tale. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and is supported by numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a story of" serves as an effective and widely recognized introduction to narratives across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, noting its frequent usage in news, academic works, and formal communications. This phrase effectively signals the beginning of a personal account, historical event, or transformative experience. To maintain clarity and precision, consider alternative phrases like "an account of" or "a narrative of" when the goal is to inform rather than to tell a story. By understanding the nuances of its usage, you can enhance your writing and engage your audience more effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tale about

This alternative uses "tale" instead of "story", implying a possibly fictional or embellished account.

a narrative of

This option is more formal and highlights the structured telling of a series of events.

an account of

This phrase emphasizes a factual and descriptive narration of events.

a description of

This phrase focuses on providing details and characteristics rather than narrating events.

a history of

This alternative suggests a chronological record or explanation of the past.

a chronicle of

Implies a detailed and continuous record of events, typically over a long period.

a portrayal of

Focuses on the way someone or something is represented or depicted.

a report on

Indicates a formal investigation or examination of a particular issue.

an instance of

Refers to a specific occurrence or example of something.

a legend of

Implies a traditional narrative or myth, often involving supernatural or heroic elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a story of" to introduce a narrative about a particular person, event, or theme. For example, "It's "a story of redemption"" or "This is "a story of resilience"".

What are some alternatives to "a story of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an account of", "a narrative of", or "a chronicle of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a story of" formal or informal?

"A story of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain academic or professional settings.

What kind of narratives best suit the phrase "a story of"?

The phrase "a story of" is well-suited for introducing narratives that focus on personal experiences, transformations, challenges, or significant events that have a clear beginning, middle, and end. For example, "It's "a story of survival"".