been an ongoing plot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been an ongoing plot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a storyline or theme that has continued over a period of time, often in the context of literature, film, or television. Example: "The series has been an ongoing plot that explores the complexities of human relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

pic.twitter.com/9tawstpN69 Mitchell's character Mark and Sophie's on-off relationship has been an ongoing plot line in the much-loved series since Peep Show began in 2003.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The episode began the setup of Olivia's backstory by revealing the Cortexiphan drug trials, which would be an ongoing plot point in continuing episodes.

Wikipedia

There's an ongoing plot point involving two marathon runners -- one a goat named René Fromage; one a lioness named Kit Mambo -- falling in love as they compete against each other.

Huffington Post

The Situation's legal troubles have, of course, been an ongoing saga, a consistent plot point throughout the reality show's recent reboot.

Vice

TheSituation originally appeared on VICE US.

Vice

Still frustrating investigators is the uncertainty about whether the surveillance in 2000 and 2001 was part of an ongoing plot.

The New York Times

Numerous historical and current events are seen as steps in an ongoing plot to achieve world domination through secret political gatherings and decision-making processes.

Wikipedia

There's a routine spy story and an ongoing plot about a mysterious book that seems like it came straight from a Dan Brown novel; the upper-crust plotting doesn't have "The Borgias" tasteful hamminess; and Da Vinci himself (played by a winningly game and energetic Tom Riley) comes off as an amalgamation of temperamental/irresponsible artist types.

Huffington Post

Mr. Holder said the Zazi case is an "ongoing investigation" despite the disruption of the subway plot.

The New York Times

It's an ongoing process.

The New York Times

It was an ongoing nightmare.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been an ongoing plot" to describe storylines in fiction or long-term developments in real-world scenarios. Ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'plot' or 'development' entails.

Common error

Avoid using "been an ongoing plot" when describing a single, isolated event. This phrase implies a series of connected events unfolding over time, not a one-time occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been an ongoing plot" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun phrase to indicate that something (a plot, a story, a situation) has been developing or continuing over a period of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe storylines or themes that have continued.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Social Media

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been an ongoing plot" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is commonly employed to describe storylines or themes that have evolved over time, predominantly in media and narrative contexts. While not overly formal, it effectively conveys the idea of continuity and development. Alternative phrases like "developing storyline" or "evolving narrative" can be used for variety. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'plot' or 'development' entails to avoid misinterpretation. Keep in mind it's better to use it only for circumstances that happened for an extended period of time and not just a one-time occurrence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been a developing story

Focuses on the idea that the story is currently growing and adapting.

has been a developing storyline

Changes 'ongoing plot' to 'developing storyline', emphasizing the evolution of the narrative.

has been a running narrative

Synonymous alternative that emphasizes the continuous nature of the story.

has been an evolving narrative

Replaces 'plot' with 'narrative', which broadens the scope to include non-fictional accounts.

has been a continuing theme

Substitutes 'plot' with 'theme', highlighting a recurring idea or motif.

has been a persistent thread

Uses 'persistent thread' instead of 'ongoing plot' to suggest a consistent element throughout.

has been an unfolding situation

Replaces 'plot' with 'situation', focusing on real-world events as they develop.

has been a sustained development

Changes 'ongoing plot' to 'sustained development', indicating continuous growth or progress.

has been a protracted affair

Uses 'protracted affair' to imply a long and often complex series of events.

has been a progressing scheme

A less-common alternative, where 'scheme' can imply a plan or project that is moving forward.

FAQs

How can I use "been an ongoing plot" in a sentence?

You can use "been an ongoing plot" to describe a storyline that develops over time in a TV series, book, or even real-life events. For example, "The rivalry between the two companies has "been an ongoing plot" in the industry for years."

What's a good alternative to "been an ongoing plot"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "developing story", "evolving narrative", or "continuing saga" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "is an ongoing plot" instead of "been an ongoing plot"?

While "is an ongoing plot" is grammatically correct, it suggests the plot is currently in progress. "Been an ongoing plot" implies the plot has been developing over a period of time. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the duration or the current state.

In what contexts is "been an ongoing plot" most appropriate?

"Been an ongoing plot" is best used when discussing storylines or situations that have unfolded over a significant period, particularly in fiction or narrative analyses. It suggests a history and evolution that simple "ongoing" statements may lack.