clever narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clever narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a story or account that is skillfully crafted or intellectually engaging. Example: "The author weaves a clever narrative that keeps the reader guessing until the very end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Some may see that as a clever narrative switch; to me, it reeks of sentimentality.

The Guardian

The effective and clever narrative gimmick is that Welles's life is presented as Welles presented the life of William Randolph Hearst -- in flashback, with a reporter seeking the meaning of the man's dying utterance.

The New York Times

They are also the pretext for a clever narrative trick: Cenk does not speak Turkish, so to explain the degree of misunderstanding and alienation encountered by his grandparents and parents, then children, the Turks speak German and the Germans Turkish.

The Guardian

Maribel is an aspiring photographer, and her art becomes a tool in her fight both against Webster and against her own demons; but photography also provides a clever narrative device, a useful vehicle to explore the play of truth and lies.

The New York Times - Books

This is just one of Segal's clever narrative jokes — the first being that Ilka's surname is now Weisz instead of Weissnix, so that she has gone from "know-nothing" to "wise" or, as Carter would have it, from "not white" to "white".

The New York Times - Books

I particularly liked this film because the director chose a robot that by appearance would be hard to empathise with but, due to the clever narrative and a scene where the robot dances with the heroine, the audience can't fail but anthropomorphosise the robot.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In brief, I felt cheated by these clever, narrative-disrupting films.

The New Yorker

Mr. Greenfield's clever narratives are also rooted in a reporter's understanding of how character and personal relationships inform politics and policy decisions.

The New York Times - Books

But most of the successful dramas imported from the US since Dallas have been the opposite: multi-stranded, self-consciously clever narratives that demand more intellectual and emotional work from viewers and do not always reward them with clear resolutions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Christopher Wheeldon is getting very clever at narrative ballets.

The Guardian

It's a clever, stylish narrative innovation that masquerades as a nod and a wink.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clever narrative" to describe stories that are not only well-told but also demonstrate intelligence, wit, or ingenuity in their construction. It suggests that the narrative offers something more than just a basic sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "clever narrative" to describe stories that are simple or straightforward. Reserve it for narratives that genuinely exhibit wit, intelligence, or an inventive approach to storytelling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clever narrative" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "clever" modifies "narrative". It's used to describe the quality of a story or account, emphasizing its intelligence and ingenuity. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase indicates a positive attribute of the narrative.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clever narrative" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe stories that display intelligence and ingenuity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and offers diverse examples from reliable sources, primarily in the realm of news and media. Alternative phrases, such as "ingenious story" or "skillful storytelling", can be used for variety. When using this phrase, ensure the narrative truly exhibits cleverness to avoid misuse. Overall, "clever narrative" is a valuable tool for discussing and analyzing stories across various mediums.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ingenious story

Focuses on the inventiveness of the narrative.

skillful storytelling

Highlights the expertise involved in crafting the narrative.

deft narrative

Emphasizes the adroitness and fluency of the narrative.

brilliantly conceived narrative

Stresses the high level of intelligence behind the narrative's design.

smartly constructed narrative

Highlights the intelligent arrangement and composition of the narrative.

cunningly crafted tale

Emphasizes the artful and subtly manipulative quality of the narrative.

resourceful narrative

Indicates the creative use of elements within the story.

astute storytelling

Highlights the sharp insight and understanding demonstrated in the narrative.

witty narrative

Highlights the humour and intelligence of the narrative.

sharp narrative

Emphasizes the incisiveness and clarity of the narrative.

FAQs

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

You can use "clever narrative" to describe a story that is skillfully crafted and intellectually engaging. For example, "The film's "clever narrative" kept the audience guessing until the end." It's often used in reviews or analysis of creative works.

What can I say instead of "clever narrative"?

You can use alternatives like "ingenious story", "skillful storytelling", or "brilliantly conceived narrative" depending on the context.

What makes a narrative "clever"?

A "clever narrative" typically involves intelligent plotting, witty dialogue, unexpected twists, or a unique storytelling approach. It demonstrates creativity and a sophisticated understanding of narrative techniques.

Is "clever narrative" formal or informal language?

"Clever narrative" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for discussions of literature, film, and other forms of storytelling.