complete the narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete the narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to finish or elaborate on a story or account that has been started but not finished. Example: "The first chapter sets the stage for an epic adventure; now, it's your turn to complete the narrative and bring the story to life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They've decided that this should be the setting for the necessary shoot-out required to complete the narrative of Marty's screenplay and their own lives.

The Guardian - Film

She spent the next seven months in a frantic state as she endeavoured to complete the narrative, fact-check each of the historical details referenced in the novel, and decide on a title.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Clinton's election as the first female President would complete the narrative, and Obama, his aides suggested, would be free to sit in the healing sun of Oahu and contemplate nothing more rigorous than the unrushed composition of a high-priced memoir.

The New Yorker

"The CNCF is a really important staging ground, not just for Kubernetes, but for the technologies that needed to come together to really complete the narrative, to make Kubernetes a much more comprehensive framework," McLuckie explained.

TechCrunch

As we commemorate what happened 20 years ago in Rwanda, these stories are essential to complete the narrative.

Huffington Post

The man has become the world, the world has become the man; the solipsism is complete; the narrative has gone fully mad.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Behind-the-scenes photographs from the video appeared on Facebook and Instagram, and blog items on Tumblr completed the narrative.

The New York Times

Verne was preoccupied with the intentionally incomplete and mysterious (and possibly supernatural) ending, and wrote a sort of sequel that completes the narrative.

The Guardian - Books

'She, living in the past, refusing to believe her days as a star are gone.' The team completed the narrative by the end of 1948, after which they started work on the screenplay.

The Guardian - Film

To the New York City native's dismay, completing the narrative coincided with a shocking diagnosis of cancer.

Huffington Post

Lugar's endorsement helps complete the administration narrative that this is a choice with bipartisan support.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complete the narrative", consider the specific context and whether the goal is simply to finish the story or to add more detail and depth.

Common error

Avoid using "complete the narrative" too frequently in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for stronger verbs like 'conclude', 'finalize', or 'synthesize' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete the narrative" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of finalizing or finishing a story, account, or explanation. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show the phrase used in contexts where a story or account needs to be brought to a close.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete the narrative" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that means to finish a story or account. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, although it appears infrequently. While it is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain academic or professional settings. Remember to consider the specific context when using this phrase to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and purpose. The phrase demonstrates its utility in bringing comprehensive endings to stories or accounts across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finish the story

Focuses specifically on ending the tale.

conclude the account

Emphasizes bringing an explanation or report to a close.

finalize the account

Highlights making the account complete and ready.

wrap up the story

Suggests a casual way of bringing the tale to an end.

bring the tale to a close

Formal way to indicate ending the story.

fill out the narrative

Focuses on providing more details to make it complete.

flesh out the account

Implies adding details to make the account more substantial.

round out the story

Emphasizes making the story more comprehensive and well-developed.

put the finishing touches on the narrative

Highlights adding the final details to perfect it.

add the final strokes to the account

Suggests refining the account with minor additions.

FAQs

What does "complete the narrative" mean?

To "complete the narrative" means to finish a story or account, adding any necessary details or elements to bring it to a satisfying conclusion.

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

You can use "complete the narrative" when asking someone to finish a story or when describing the act of finishing a story. For example: "The author worked tirelessly to complete the narrative before the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "complete the narrative"?

You can use alternatives like "finish the story", "conclude the account", or "finalize the account" depending on the context.

Is "complete the narrative" formal or informal?

The phrase "complete the narrative" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider alternatives like "conclude the account" in more formal settings.