a weak narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

"a weak narrative" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used in a variety of contexts to describe a narrative that lacks cohesion or fails to keep its readers engaged. For example, you could say, "The novel suffered from a weak narrative that left readers confused and uninterested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That the prime minister and treasurer are under pressure to reverse sound policy to make super fairer based on a weak narrative about selected poor election results would be laughable if it wasn't so serious.

The Guardian - Opinion

The chief executive of the leading seniors' organisation, Ian Yates, said the calls to reverse or modify the policy were "based on a weak narrative about selected poor election results and fewer well-heeled supporters manning polling booths".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the case of Bastrop the weak narrative is that the fires were caused (in part) by weather conditions which were caused (in part) by climate change which was caused (in part) by the culture and behavior of Bastrop residents.

The New York Times

But it's never clear why his character, who repeatedly finds himself in command of both Sunday's and Brashear's destinies, would be so bent on thwarting them, other than that, by the movie's weak narrative logic, it's his job.

The New York Times

But what I didn't share then is how much it formed a new weaker narrative in my mind.

Harvard Business Review

No doubt these lesser stories are meant to illustrate the notion that weak narratives, like strong ones, represent the human rage for closure, our desire to force the messy ingredients of life into some sort of order.

The New York Times - Books

For me, the weakest narrative strand is the one exploring the martyrdom of Saint Perpetua in the third-century Roman Empire.

Independent

Democrats gave up on Obama immediately and let their opponents construct the narrative of a weak president run over by forceful challenger.

The New York Times

But even among those not getting paid to express their opinions, television commentary has taken on aspects of a blood sport; show runners and actors are increasingly called out for what is perceived as a weak episode or a bad narrative decision in a way that must feel very familiar to Kobe and LeBron.

Los Angeles Times

Obviously this is just a repetition of that old Republican narrative about Obama being a weak president.

Vice

Russian spin doctors hold a weak hand as they battle to capture the narrative of the Trump missile strike on its client, Bashar Assad.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing a piece of writing or media, use "a weak narrative" to clearly express that the storyline or argument is unconvincing or poorly developed.

Common error

Avoid using overly generic adjectives like 'bad' or 'poor' to describe a narrative. Instead, specify why the narrative is weak, such as 'a disjointed narrative' or 'a narrative lacking in character development'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weak narrative" functions as a noun phrase, where 'weak' is an adjective modifying the noun 'narrative'. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a weak narrative" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that serves to critique a story or explanation lacking in strength or persuasiveness. While relatively uncommon, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific discussions. When using the phrase, ensure you specify the reasons behind the narrative's weakness to provide a more insightful critique. Consider alternatives like "flimsy storyline" or "unconvincing account" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flawed narrative

Emphasizes the presence of imperfections and errors in the narrative.

a feeble narrative

Implies the narrative is lacking in force and effectiveness.

a fragile narrative

Suggests that the narrative is easily broken or discredited.

a flimsy storyline

Replaces 'narrative' with 'storyline', implying a lack of substance or credibility.

a dubious narrative

Highlights the questionable nature and reliability of the narrative.

a unconvincing account

Focuses on the lack of persuasiveness in the narrative.

a poorly constructed story

Highlights the flawed structure and composition of the narrative.

a thin plot

Emphasizes the lack of depth and complexity in the narrative's plot.

a unsubstantial tale

Implies the narrative lacks significant content or meaning.

a shaky explanation

Shifts the focus to the explanatory aspect of the narrative, indicating its instability.

FAQs

How can I identify "a weak narrative" in a story?

Look for inconsistencies, plot holes, underdeveloped characters, and an overall lack of compelling storytelling. If the story fails to engage you or feels unconvincing, it likely suffers from "a weak narrative".

What are some alternatives to saying "a weak narrative"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "flimsy storyline", "unconvincing account", or "poorly constructed story".

Is it always negative to describe something as "a weak narrative"?

Yes, generally describing something as "a weak narrative" carries a negative connotation, implying that the story or explanation is flawed, unpersuasive, or poorly constructed.

How does "a weak narrative" differ from "a complex narrative"?

While "a complex narrative" suggests intricate and layered storytelling, "a weak narrative" implies fundamental flaws in the story's construction, clarity, or persuasiveness. A complex narrative can still be strong, whereas "a weak narrative" is inherently deficient.