an ongoing drama

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing drama" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or series of events that are continuously developing and often involve conflict or tension. Example: "The negotiations between the two countries have turned into an ongoing drama, with new developments emerging almost daily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Thankfully, it says I'm the longest serving actor in the world in an ongoing drama.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The debt ceiling debate, if you can call it that, is an ongoing drama," Mr. Wood said.

The New York Times

Up to now, however, "Westworld" has been cast as an ongoing drama of another kind, dogged by delays and the occasional eyebrow-raising casting notice.

The New York Times - Arts

While one-off mini-series like this summer's "The Night Of" have done well for HBO, "what we need is an ongoing drama series," said Casey Bloys, the network's president for programming.

The New York Times - Arts

I ask about the rumours that this will be the first series of an ongoing drama serial, and he stutters and stalls, before admitting: "I feel there's something very potent there.

The Guardian

(Jane Hazlegrove's arrival in BBC1's Casualty in 2006 as lesbian nurse Dixie, is a perfect example of how a low-key character in an ongoing drama can just happen to be gay).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Unless you are a regular Spectator reader, you may have missed a little ongoing drama.

The Guardian

With such a complex ongoing drama, the normal presidency promises to be anything but.

The Economist

John Robinson Despite moments of heavy metal overkill, Peaky Blinders has established itself as a gripping and thankfully ongoing drama.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But as the years passed, she says, she felt like she had to work around her adviser's ongoing drama on a regular basis, seeking help from collaborators when necessary.

Science Magazine

"The problem is that there is no nonpejorative phrase for an ongoing character drama," Mr. Keyser said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "an ongoing drama" to effectively convey a sense of continuous development and unresolved conflict, especially in contexts where events are rapidly changing and attracting attention. Ensure that the subject of the drama is clearly identified for clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "an ongoing drama" in highly formal or academic writing, as it may sound overly sensational or subjective. Consider more neutral alternatives like "a developing situation" or "a continuing process" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing drama" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a situation or series of events as continuously unfolding and often filled with conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an ongoing drama" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation characterized by continuous development and often conflict. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, it frequently appears in News & Media sources, conveying a sense of heightened interest and unpredictability. When considering alternatives, phrases like "a continuing saga" or "an unfolding situation" can be used to maintain a similar meaning. When using "an ongoing drama", ensure the context is appropriate and the subject is clearly defined. While effective in engaging audiences, it is important to avoid overuse in highly formal academic writing, where more neutral alternatives may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuing saga

Emphasizes the prolonged and eventful nature of the situation.

an unfolding situation

Focuses on the gradual revelation of events.

a developing crisis

Highlights the potential for negative outcomes and escalating tension.

a protracted conflict

Stresses the extended duration and contentious nature of the situation.

a never-ending story

Suggests that the situation is repetitive and potentially tiresome.

a persistent problem

Underscores the long-lasting and difficult-to-resolve nature of the issue.

a running battle

Highlights continuous opposition and struggle.

a constant struggle

Implies ongoing effort against adversity.

a prolonged dispute

Emphasizes a disagreement that has lasted for a significant amount of time.

a chronic issue

Focuses on an issue that is recurring and difficult to eradicate.

FAQs

How can I use "an ongoing drama" in a sentence?

You can use "an ongoing drama" to describe a situation or series of events that are continuously developing and often involve conflict or tension. For example: "The negotiations between the two companies have become "an ongoing drama", with new developments emerging almost daily."

What can I say instead of "an ongoing drama"?

You can use alternatives like "a continuing saga", "an unfolding situation", or "a developing crisis" depending on the context.

Is "an ongoing drama" formal or informal?

"An ongoing drama" is generally considered appropriate for neutral to slightly informal contexts. While widely used in news and media, it may be too sensational for highly formal academic writing. Consider alternative phrases like "a developing situation" in more formal settings.

What kind of situations is "an ongoing drama" suitable to describe?

"An ongoing drama" is best suited to describe situations that are complex, continuously evolving, and often characterized by conflict, tension, or uncertainty. It is particularly appropriate when the situation attracts significant public attention or involves multiple stakeholders with competing interests.