an ongoing saga

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing saga" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to something that is continuing, especially something that is complicated or takes a long time. For example, you could say "The debate over the healthcare bill is an ongoing saga."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It was an ongoing saga.

The Guardian - Sport

Dame Edna's myth is an ongoing saga.

The New Yorker

"It's an ongoing saga around here," said Terrence Brown, 40.

The New York Times

But the Warren affair is only the latest chapter in an ongoing saga.

The New York Times

"It's been an ongoing saga, 'I'm O.K. to pitch but —.' Fill in the blank".

The New York Times

"This has been an ongoing saga and this is just another paragraph in a longer story".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It's a ongoing saga, Mark hasn't come up with an answer, but he has to give us an answer one way or another," Ling said.

BBC

It was an ongoing-saga kind of thing".

The New York Times

The dynamic between the conservative movement and the Republican Party — of which there is no parallel on the left — is a really interesting ongoing saga that has incredibly sharp turns in it.

The New Yorker

The Florida supreme court had tried to call a halt to the ongoing saga by setting a firm deadline and establishing rules for arriving at a final tally of Florida votes.

The Economist

Finally, there is the series between the Yankees and the Orioles, which has featured three tightly contested games and the ongoing saga of A-Rod's place in the New York batting order.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ongoing saga" to describe situations with multiple developments and twists, particularly when conveying a sense of complexity or prolonged duration.

Common error

While "an ongoing saga" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing saga" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies and characterizes a situation, event, or series of events that is protracted and complex. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing saga" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation or series of events that are protracted, complex, and continuously developing. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's acceptable in formal writing, it's crucial to consider your audience and avoid overuse. Its function is to characterize a situation as lengthy and complicated, often implying dramatic or unpredictable elements. Related phrases include "a continuing story" and "a developing situation". Remember to use it judiciously to maintain clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuing story

Focuses on the narrative aspect of events unfolding.

a developing situation

Emphasizes the evolving nature and possible changes of an event.

an unfolding drama

Highlights the dramatic and often unpredictable nature of events.

a protracted affair

Suggests a lengthy and often troublesome series of events.

a drawn-out process

Implies a process that is longer and more tedious than expected.

a never-ending story

Conveys the idea that the situation seems to have no resolution.

a persistent issue

Focuses on the recurring nature of a problem or concern.

a chronic problem

Highlights that an issue is persistent and long-lasting.

a recurrent theme

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of a subject or idea.

a continuing challenge

Focuses on the difficulties and obstacles that persist over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "an ongoing saga" to describe events that unfold over a long period, like "The negotiations between the companies have become "an ongoing saga", with no resolution in sight."

What is a synonym for "an ongoing saga"?

Alternatives include "a continuing story", "a developing situation", or "an unfolding drama", depending on the context you want to convey.

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

Yes, but consider your audience. While generally acceptable, in very formal or academic writing, a more precise term may be preferred. However, in news or general interest pieces, "an ongoing saga" is perfectly suitable.

What distinguishes "an ongoing saga" from "a simple problem"?

"An ongoing saga" suggests a complex, prolonged issue with multiple developments, whereas "a simple problem" implies a straightforward issue that can be easily resolved.