cautionary narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cautionary narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a story or account that serves as a warning or lesson about potential dangers or pitfalls. Example: "The cautionary narrative of the protagonist's downfall serves as a reminder of the consequences of greed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I didn't set out to write a book, but when I realised that the hundreds of single-spaced pages addressed to Dick ___ during those months might actually be research material, I conceived the novel as a conte, a narrative, a cautionary tale or fable.

The Guardian - Books

Nominally a story about sex, lies and faithfulness, "Last Night" is more truly a cautionary tale about mousetrap narratives.

The New York Times

On occasion, the narrative was a cautionary tale for patients disinclined to follow a doctor's advice.

The New York Times - Health

McGinniss seems on autopilot, speed-dialing up interviews with family and friends of the victim (Rob) and perp (Nancy), scanning e-mail traffic and court transcripts, cruising the bountiful landscape in pursuit of a narrative — a straightforward cautionary tale of ambition, avarice and violence — that could write itself.

The New York Times - Books

To the more sympathetic, the narrative provided a cautionary tale of the perils of fame and celebrity.

Vice

Because this story line worked so well as a cautionary tale, and because Violette's narrative so neatly embodied the many unresolved tensions — about gender, class, tradition, change — bearing down on French society in the interwar years, it quickly became a national obsession.

The New York Times - Books

Success story or cautionary tale?

The New York Times

The Eagles are a cautionary tale, or an Oprah-worthy redemption narrative, or the raving manifesto of a lunatic in a tinfoil pirate hat, or all three.

The New York Times

Part cautionary tale, part psychological study, part riveting disaster narrative, the film, directed by Dan Klores, was released in 2007 to favorable, if somewhat astonished, notices.

The New York Times

As much as the main narrative of this scandal belongs to her husband and his mistress, her story contains an even more cautionary tale.

Los Angeles Times

Part puppet show, part narrative and part enactment, it is its own cautionary tale: Sometimes it's best to leave well enough alone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cautionary narrative", ensure that the narrative you're describing genuinely serves as a warning or teaches a lesson. The context should make it clear what potential dangers or pitfalls the narrative is meant to highlight.

Common error

Avoid labeling a narrative as a "cautionary narrative" if its warning is weak or unclear. Ensure the narrative effectively conveys a significant lesson to justify its description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cautionary narrative" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'cautionary' modifies 'narrative'. It describes a specific type of narrative whose primary purpose is to serve as a warning or to impart a lesson.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cautionary narrative" is a grammatically correct term used to describe a story designed to warn or instruct, as supported by Ludwig. While the examples are limited, the phrase is understandable and suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Alternative phrases like "warning tale" or "advisory story" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. When using "cautionary narrative", it's important that the narrative being described genuinely serves as a warning and effectively conveys a significant lesson. The phrase sees common use in news media, and books.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warning narrative

Reorders the words, placing emphasis on warning.

warning tale

Focuses specifically on the element of warning present in the narrative.

cautionary account

Uses "account" instead of "narrative", suggesting a more factual or objective presentation.

advisory story

Emphasizes the guidance or advice provided by the narrative.

didactic narrative

Highlights the instructive or teaching purpose of the narrative.

lesson-teaching story

Directly states that the story is intended to teach a lesson.

preventative narrative

Highlights the function of preventing a negative outcome.

instructive account

Similar to advisory story but uses account, implying a factual basis.

exemplary tale

Implies the narrative serves as an example, either positive or negative, to be followed or avoided.

moral story

Emphasizes the moral lesson conveyed by the narrative.

FAQs

How can I use "cautionary narrative" in a sentence?

You can use "cautionary narrative" to describe a story that warns against certain behaviors or choices. For example, "The novel serves as a cautionary narrative about the dangers of unchecked ambition."

What are some alternatives to "cautionary narrative"?

Alternatives include "warning tale", "advisory story", or "didactic narrative depending" on the specific emphasis you want to convey.

What distinguishes a "cautionary narrative" from a regular narrative?

A "cautionary narrative" specifically aims to warn or advise, highlighting potential negative consequences. A regular narrative may simply recount events without a specific moral or warning.

Is "cautionary tale" the same as "cautionary narrative"?

While similar, "cautionary tale" often implies a shorter, more traditional story, whereas "cautionary narrative" can apply to longer and more complex accounts. They both serve the same purpose of warning or advising.