certain narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific story or account that has particular characteristics or themes. Example: "In this analysis, we will explore the impact of the certain narrative on public perception of the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

There is also a certain narrative dimension.

The New York Times - Arts

We work from a certain narrative anecdote or feeling.

The New Yorker

"We have a certain narrative," he said, sitting in his laboratory.

The New Yorker

Taking Ruby's as an early vector of Stateside avocado toast, a certain narrative emerges.

The New Yorker

"We have a certain narrative,'' he said, sitting in his laboratory.

The New Yorker

All of this generates a certain narrative intrigue and a bittersweet mood.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Certain narratives please us by providing twists at their endings.

The Guardian - Books

He goes silent for a moment, then continues: "People get attached to certain narratives.

The Guardian - Books

This (according to certain narratives) made it inevitable that Scotland accept a humiliating union with England.

The New York Times - Books

But to effect change in a relationship as historically toxic as that of Fidel Castro's Cuba and 11 US presidents will require certain narratives.

The Guardian - Opinion

1 hour 21 minutes; not rated One of the interviewees in "Informant," Jamie Meltzer's documentary about Brandon Darby, a community activist turned F.B.I. informer, describes Mr. Darby as purveying certain narratives of his life, independent of what the facts might be.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain narrative" to refer to a storyline or account when you want to indicate that it is specific but perhaps not universally accepted or known. It suggests a particular perspective or framing of events.

Common error

Avoid using "certain narrative" vaguely. Always ensure that the context clarifies which narrative you are referring to. If the narrative isn't clear to the reader, consider providing more detail or using a more specific term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain narrative" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "certain" modifies the noun "narrative". It specifies that the narrative is particular or specific but does not necessarily imply widespread acceptance. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain narrative" is a common phrase used to denote a specific or particular storyline, often implying that it is one of several possibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific discussions. While it's a useful way to specify a particular narrative, avoid vagueness by ensuring your audience understands which narrative you are referencing. Alternatives like "specific narrative" or "particular narrative" can also be used to add additional nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular narrative

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing a specific and distinct narrative.

specific narrative

Uses "specific" instead of "certain", highlighting the narrative's defined and precise nature.

definite narrative

Substitutes "certain" with "definite", stressing the narrative's clear and unambiguous quality.

given narrative

Employs "given" to indicate a narrative that is predetermined or accepted.

established narrative

Replaces "certain" with "established", pointing to a narrative that is well-recognized and accepted.

prevailing narrative

Uses "prevailing" to suggest the narrative is dominant or widely held.

dominant narrative

Substitutes "certain" with "dominant", emphasizing the narrative's widespread influence.

accepted narrative

Replaces "certain" with "accepted", indicating the narrative is generally agreed upon.

understood narrative

Uses "understood" to imply the narrative is commonly known and grasped.

recognised narrative

Substitutes "certain" with "recognised", suggesting the narrative is widely acknowledged.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain narrative" to refer to a specific storyline or account, like: "The analysis reveals how a "particular narrative" shaped public opinion."

What's a good substitute for "certain narrative"?

Depending on the context, you could use "specific narrative", "dominant narrative", or "established narrative" as alternatives.

Is it better to say "a certain narrative" or "one narrative"?

The choice depends on the emphasis. "A certain narrative" implies a particular, perhaps not widely known, account. "One narrative" simply refers to a single storyline, without necessarily implying it's specific or distinct. You can also use "another narrative".

How does "certain narrative" differ from "common narrative"?

"Certain narrative" suggests a specific, possibly subjective, account, while "common narrative" refers to a narrative that is widely shared and generally accepted.