as the plot develops

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the plot develops" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will change or become clearer as the story progresses. Example: "The characters' motivations become more apparent as the plot develops, leading to unexpected twists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

As the plot develops, the Restricted Section is a constant source of useful information.

The Guardian

I prefer to discover what the author is getting at as the plot develops.

The New York Times - Books

But as the plot develops, all four performers move in and out of the playing area, expressing emotions and relationships both by movement and words.

The Guardian

In between there is a concerned social worker, a grieving widow, a female Asian doctor, disenchanted wives, victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse, and a handful of teenagers who gradually become more and more important as the plot develops.

Independent

As the plot develops, the narrative makes apparent that the Morgans wish to make Myers feel guilty for subletting their house to irresponsible people who made a mess of it.

Johns Hopkins University

As the plot develops the two become lovers, even though he has stabbed her.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A cute guy holding a paper bag full of groceries introduces himself as Ted Benjamin Weaverr), and the plot develops imaginatively.

The New York Times

The plot develops fairly transparently as the outward expression of a series of psychological blockages and therapeutic adjustments - the Oedipus story is certainly washing round there somewhere.

The Guardian - Books

The public was "never in actual danger as this device was inert, and his activities were monitored very closely as the plot developed," said Richard A. McFeely, the special agent in charge of the F.B.I.'s Baltimore division.

The New York Times

As you read through the chapters, notice how the plot develops.

WikiHow

The plot developed over time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as the plot develops", ensure the subsequent clauses clearly illustrate the consequences or changes arising from the plot's progression.

Common error

Ensure that the 'plot' you are referring to is clearly defined for your audience. Overly broad or undefined plots can confuse readers, diminishing the effectiveness of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the plot develops" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating when something else occurs. It sets a temporal context for the main clause, showing that events or changes happen concurrently with the plot's progression. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

21%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as the plot develops" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the temporal progression and evolution of a narrative or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, including news, academic discussions, and general writing. It's important to ensure clarity and relevance when using this phrase, as it functions to connect the plot's progression with resulting changes or revelations. Related phrases like "as the story progresses" or "as the narrative unfolds" can provide alternative options depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the story progresses

Replaces "plot" with "story", focusing on the narrative aspect.

as the narrative unfolds

Emphasizes the unfolding of events in a narrative format.

as the tale unfolds

Uses "tale" instead of "plot" and "unfolds" instead of "develops", creating a slightly more literary tone.

as the situation evolves

Shifts from a narrative context to a more general situation.

as the events unfold

Focuses on the unfolding of events, removing direct reference to a "plot".

as things progress

A more general and less formal way to indicate the advancement of a situation.

as the scenario unfolds

Similar to 'events unfold', but explicitly refers to a 'scenario'.

as the action unfolds

Emphasizes the unfolding of the action within a story or event.

as the subject evolves

Shifts from a narrative context to a more general context.

in the course of the plot's development

A more elaborate phrasing highlighting the development of the plot.

FAQs

How can I use "as the plot develops" in a sentence?

You can use "as the plot develops" to show how events in a story influence character decisions or reveal new information. For example: "As the plot develops, the protagonist's initial assumptions are challenged."

What are some alternatives to "as the plot develops"?

Alternatives include "as the story progresses", "as the narrative unfolds", or "as the situation evolves" depending on the context.

Is "as the plot develops" formal or informal?

"As the plot develops" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it's most commonly found in literary analysis or storytelling contexts. Using "as things progress" might be more suitable for informal settings.

How does "as the plot develops" differ from "at the beginning of the plot"?

"As the plot develops" indicates an ongoing process of change and revelation, while "at the beginning of the plot" refers to a specific point in time. The first describes evolution, and the second describes a starting point.