change the narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

"change the narrative" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about a perspective or account of a situation that is being altered, or to call for a different viewpoint. For example: "We need to change the narrative and focus on the people who have gone above and beyond to help others during this pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"First, we change the narrative.

The New York Times

"We had to change the narrative".

The New York Times

We have to change the narrative.

The Guardian

Might a sports psychologist help change the narrative?

The Guardian - Sport

But Ford is trying to change the narrative.

The Guardian

She wants to change the narrative surrounding African women.

The Guardian

Well, I think we need to change the narrative.

The Guardian

There is no turning back now, no way to change the narrative.

The New York Times - Sports

Afterward the party's President Tim Farron said the result would change the narrative in Westminster.

Independent

Cruz decided to change the narrative into one about the separation of powers.

The New Yorker

"Rupert Murdoch is trying to change the narrative and move on," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "change the narrative" when you aim to reframe a discussion or situation to highlight different aspects or introduce new perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "change the narrative" repeatedly within a short span. Instead, consider synonyms like "reframe the situation" or "shift the focus" to maintain reader engagement and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "change the narrative" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used with an auxiliary verb (e.g., "need to change the narrative") to express the need or intention to alter a prevailing story or viewpoint. As Ludwig AI explains it, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "change the narrative" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. It signifies an effort to alter the prevailing perception or understanding of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, as evidenced by numerous examples across reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and Huffington Post. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, considering synonyms such as "reframe the situation" or "shift the focus" to avoid redundancy. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of professional communications, and is often employed with a persuasive intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alter the story

Focuses on modifying the sequence of events or details in a recounting.

reframe the situation

Emphasizes altering the conceptual framework used to understand a scenario.

reshape the perception

Highlights modifying the public's or an individual's understanding or view.

shift the focus

Indicates a change in the main point of attention or emphasis.

adjust the interpretation

Concentrates on modifying the way events or information are understood.

rewrite the script

Suggests a complete overhaul of the expected course of action or understanding.

modify the account

Highlights making changes to a reported version of events.

transform the understanding

Focuses on a deep change in comprehension or knowledge.

recast the issue

Suggests presenting a problem or topic in a different light or context.

reposition the perspective

Focuses on altering the viewpoint from which something is considered.

FAQs

How can I use "change the narrative" in a sentence?

You can use "change the narrative" to suggest altering the common perception or understanding of a topic. For example, "The company is launching a campaign to "change the narrative" around its environmental impact".

What's a less formal way to say "change the narrative"?

Informally, you might say "reframe the story" or "spin things differently". However, ""change the narrative"" itself is suitable for most professional contexts.

Is "change the narrative" the same as "control the narrative"?

While related, they're not identical. "Change the narrative" suggests altering an existing viewpoint. "Control the narrative", on the other hand, implies dictating or dominating the discussion.

What words are often used with "change the narrative"?

Common words used with ""change the narrative"" include "need to", "opportunity to", "try to", and "seek to", often indicating an attempt to influence perceptions.