continuing narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continuing narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a story or account that is ongoing or evolving over time. Example: "The author's continuing narrative explores the complexities of human relationships through various characters and their experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Our continuing narrative line is blurred past truth and hindsight.

The New York Times - Books

Some lists give actual advice; others provide only clever titles for the continuing narrative.

The New York Times - Books

And that desire for continuing narrative is a direct result of viewers watching shows all in one go".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The artist conceives of his epic, continuing narrative as a story of war between masculine culture and feminine nature.

The New York Times - Arts

He conceives of his epic, continuing narrative as a story of war between masculine culture and feminine nature.

The New York Times - Arts

This one has a continuing narrative, following Gustafer as he looks for the toe end of the longest sock in the universe.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

There are plenty of women who enjoy watching sports, but on average women prefer continuing narratives about life and love.

The New York Times

THE current fixation on airports in popular film and television marks a twist in one of America's central continuing narratives: the romance of the open road.

The New York Times

The boys were charged with murder, and the news media briefly revisited one of this city's continuing narratives, the victimizing of Asian food deliverymen.

The New York Times

The Mark Twainish "Mud," in which two boys living on a river make an alliance with a man in hiding (McConaughey again), demonstrates continued narrative and atmospheric mastery by the director Jeff Nichols, who made the filled-with-foreboding "Take Shelter," in 2011.

The New Yorker

Mr Goulding, continuing the narrative, told the hearing Bird next came across Jennifer Jackson in the village.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continuing narrative" to emphasize the dynamic and evolving nature of a story, especially when referring to its long-term development and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "continuing narrative" when a simpler term like "story" or "plot" suffices. The phrase is most effective when highlighting the ongoing and evolving aspects of a narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continuing narrative" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a story or account that is ongoing or evolving, emphasizing its sustained nature. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

17%

Arts

14%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continuing narrative" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe stories or accounts that evolve over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the ongoing nature of a narrative, making it suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media, arts, and books. While versatile, it's most impactful when used to highlight the sustained development of a story, rather than in simple contexts where alternatives like "ongoing story" might suffice. Remember that, while it is correct, it can be sometimes verbose; be sure not to overuse it. The phrase appears frequently in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ongoing story

Replaces "continuing narrative" with more common and simpler terms.

evolving storyline

Focuses on the development and progression of the story.

unfolding tale

Emphasizes the gradual revelation of the narrative.

developing plot

Highlights the construction and progression of the storyline.

serial narrative

Implies a narrative presented in installments or episodes.

sustained account

Indicates a detailed and continuous record of events.

long-running saga

Suggests a lengthy and dramatic narrative.

perpetual chronicle

Emphasizes the unending nature of the narrative.

extended discourse

Highlights the comprehensive and prolonged nature of the narrative.

incessant storytelling

Focuses on the continuous act of narrating.

FAQs

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

You can use "continuing narrative" to describe an ongoing story or account, as in, "The film explores the "continuing narrative" of the protagonist's journey."

What's a good alternative to "continuing narrative"?

Alternatives include "ongoing story", "evolving storyline", or "developing plot", depending on the specific context.

Is "continuing narrative" formal or informal?

"Continuing narrative" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal due to its descriptive nature. Consider your audience when choosing between it and a simpler alternative like "ongoing story".

What makes a narrative "continuing"?

A narrative is considered "continuing" when it extends over time, with events and developments that build upon previous occurrences, creating a sense of ongoing progression and evolution.