absence of narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

"absence of narrative" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to the lack or absence of a story or coherent sequence of events in a piece of writing or speech. Example: The author's experimental writing style was interesting, but I found myself struggling to follow the plot due to the absence of narrative.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Absence of narrative, too.

The Guardian

But the absence of narrative or even a central character gives the play a diffuse quality.

The New York Times

In the absence of narrative we are left with a string of 'spectacular' set pieces to hold our attention.

The Guardian - Film

Part of the bracing experimental impact of the film was the absence of narrative connection between the three women.

The Guardian

The multimillion-selling "Bringing Down the Horse" (1996) bristled with assurance, its hits like "Sixth Avenue Heartache" and "Three Marlenas" tangles of images whose propulsive melodies making the absence of narrative negligible.

The New York Times - Arts

The compellingly androgynous figures, the absence of narrative, the deliberate contrast between hyperrealistic detail (those sharp-looking flowers in the foreground) and a random lack thereof (what is happening with the feet of the armored figure on the left?) — all of these have a feeling of now-ness that is fascinating, and hard to shake.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Also, for most of the game I thought they were going for an absence-of-narrative thing, but the final act establishes that there is a story—some intentionality to the universe beyond the agency of my character and I just wasn't going to be permitted to learn it.

Vice

The almost complete absence of a narrative syntax to organise in a tale the parataxis of the endless repetition of a certain morpheme (usually more geometric than iconic) was already on its own account a clear hint of anti-classicality.

City, Territory and Architecture

There's a welcome absence of parallel narrative.

The Guardian - Music

The three- and four-hour running times might seem forbidding, but there is rarely a dull moment, in spite of the absence of conventional narrative.

The New York Times

Did you, like Ms. Davis, feel the absence of traditional narrative allowed the audience to engage with the piece on its own terms?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing art or media, clarify if the "absence of narrative" is intentional and what effect it creates. This shows a deeper understanding of the work.

Common error

Don't assume that an "absence of narrative" automatically makes something negative. Some artistic choices deliberately avoid traditional storytelling to achieve different effects, such as focusing on atmosphere or character development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of narrative" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig indicates, it denotes the lack or non-existence of a storyline or coherent sequence of events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absence of narrative" accurately describes situations lacking a story or coherent plot and, according to Ludwig, is grammatically correct. While commonly found in News & Media, scientific and Wiki sources, its usage extends to academia as well. It is important to note that, while the phrase denotes a lack, it doesn't inherently carry a negative connotation. The phrase is often used to analyze or describe experimental or unconventional works in art, literature, and film. Related phrases include "lack of narrative" and "no narrative structure". Remember to use this phrase to objectively describe a work's structure, and avoid assuming its absence automatically implies poor quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of narrative

Replaces "absence" with "lack", a direct synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

lack of a storyline

Substitutes "narrative" with "storyline", emphasizing the plot aspect.

no narrative structure

Focuses on the structural aspect of the narrative being absent.

narrative void

Uses a more metaphorical term, "void", to describe the absence.

lack of plot

Simplifies "narrative" to "plot", highlighting the sequence of events.

storylessness

Conveys the absence of a story in a single word.

absence of plot development

Specifies the absence relates to the progression of the story.

lack of storytelling

Emphasizes the act of creating a narrative that is missing.

non-narrative

Describes something that does not use a narrative structure.

absence of coherent storytelling

Highlights the lack of logical and clear narrative.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "absence of narrative" in a sentence?

You can use "absence of narrative" to describe the lack of a clear storyline in a book, movie, or other form of media. For example: "The film's experimental style was marked by an "absence of narrative", focusing instead on visual imagery."

What is an alternative to saying "absence of narrative"?

Alternatives to "absence of narrative" include "lack of storyline", "no narrative structure", or a "narrative void", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when a work is described as having an "absence of narrative"?

It means that the work does not follow a traditional story structure with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It may focus on other elements, such as mood, character, or theme, rather than a linear plot.

Is "absence of narrative" always a criticism?

No, the "absence of narrative" is not inherently a criticism. It can be a deliberate artistic choice that serves a specific purpose. Whether it is effective or not depends on how well it is executed and how it contributes to the overall work.