an ongoing narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a story or situation that is continuously developing or evolving over time. Example: "The documentary presents an ongoing narrative of the community's struggle for justice and equality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The stories also have an ongoing narrative.

The Guardian

They can be read as an ongoing narrative – a calendar of pain.

The Guardian - Books

And those hard-to-quantify factors must constantly be pieced together into an ongoing narrative within historical and regional contexts.

Harvard Business Review

It is an ongoing narrative; and of course it's got a sexual dimension, which is always fascinating; and it's got dimensions of power.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet this is part of an ongoing narrative that says this election is like 2004, in which a relatively unpopular and vulnerable incumbent won because the out-party overestimated voters' distaste for the incumbent and nominated a dreadful candidate.

The Economist

In a media-addled society that rarely focuses on one story for more than a few days, the occupation also provided an ongoing narrative that people could follow in real time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

My life, my entire life, from physical birth to physical death, can be understood only as a narrative, as an ongoing story.

SEP

Your Mom's House is a constant, ongoing narrative between Christina and Tom, their listeners, and the conversation that goes on back and forth.

Vice

The first offers impressions of a playwright and human being at all levels – including a powerful response to his house burning down in 1984 – and the second offers a sense of ongoing narrative history from the viewpoint of a man Roudané calls "an engaged and engaging public intellectual".

Independent

His story forms part of a much more complex ongoing narrative, in which civil society activists are routinely being cast as terrorists, traitors, foreign puppets or members of a disconnected elite.

The Guardian

He conceives of his epic, ongoing narrative as a story of war between masculine culture and feminine nature.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ongoing narrative" when describing a situation or story that is continuously developing or evolving over time.

Common error

While "an ongoing narrative" is useful, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "a developing story" or "a continuous narrative" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an ongoing narrative" is to act as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a story or account that is in progress or continuously developing. Ludwig AI's analysis supports this, showcasing its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing narrative" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe stories or situations that are continuously developing. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While it's a common expression, remember to vary your language to avoid overuse. Consider using alternatives like "a developing story" or "a continuous narrative" to maintain reader engagement. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a developing story

Emphasizes the continuous evolution and progression of events in the narrative.

a continuous narrative

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the storytelling.

an evolving storyline

Focuses on how the plot and characters change over time.

a progressing account

Suggests that the narrative is moving forward and expanding.

a sustained discourse

Implies a prolonged and detailed conversation or discussion.

a perennial theme

Highlights the recurrent nature of the themes or issues being addressed.

a continuing saga

Highlights the long and dramatic nature of the narrative.

an unfolding drama

Suggests the gradual revelation of dramatic events and conflicts.

an incessant chronicle

Implies an ongoing and relentless record of events.

a persistent thread

Highlights the continuous presence and importance of a specific element within the narrative.

FAQs

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

You can use "an ongoing narrative" to describe a story or situation that is continuously developing. For example, "The documentary presents an ongoing narrative of the community's struggle for justice."

What are some alternatives to "an ongoing narrative"?

Alternatives include "a developing story", "a continuous narrative", or "an evolving storyline", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an ongoing narrative" in formal writing?

Yes, "an ongoing narrative" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing long-term trends, historical developments, or complex situations that unfold over time.

What's the difference between "an ongoing narrative" and "an ongoing story"?

While similar, "an ongoing narrative" often implies a more structured and deliberate unfolding of events than "an ongoing story", which can be more casual and less formally organized.