continuous prose

USAGE SUMMARY

"continuous prose" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a writing style characterized by a flow of thought and a lack of interruption by elements such as dialogue, verse, or narrative. For example, "The author wrote their story in continuous prose, allowing the reader to experience the events as they unfolded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But what of taking in continuous prose, in the form conventionally known as "reading"?

The Guardian - Books

Creative writing teachers sometimes seem rather embattled on this subject, insisting on the "rule" that the point of view in a continuous prose narration cannot move among characters, even though a great number of canonical literary works rely on the fact that it can and does.

The Guardian - Books

The first author grouped similar items under specific headings, re-writing them into continuous prose for ease of reading.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Very much a literary novel, it is over 450 pages of near-continuous prose, without chapter divisions or much in terms of conventional punctuation and with few paragraph breaks.

The Economist

After all, a good deal of language activity – like this article itself – has to conform to the conventions of continuous and formal prose writing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cooper told me that he sees his GIF projects as continuous with his prose fiction, composed according to "the same principles and planning and structuring" as his work in print.

The New Yorker

The parchment used in the manuscript is of the lowest quality, and the text is written untidily, with an eye to economical use of space; it is laid out in continuous lines like prose, with words and lines close together, and with various additions and corrections, new exegesis, and allegorical readings, crammed into the corners of the margins (as can be seen in the reproduction above).

Wikipedia

(this is a segment of a real A/A* essay by an anonymous student) You will also need to identify what the text is about and refer to the exam question: " the prose is continuous and focuses on Mandela's personal journey through life, exploring his physical hardships and mental hardships".

WikiHow

But Vincent has recast his interviews with Coetzee's cousin, Margot, as a continuous narrative, "fixed up the prose" and "dramatised it here and there, letting people speak in their own voices".

The Guardian - Books

Despite the new text layout designs for new reading devices and the advantages of hyperlinks discussed above, there is one research task for which digital texts are poorly suited: continuous reading, for an extended period of time, of prose works.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

McBride's prose — "Head back gulping the thicky flow" — is, in marvellous ways, continuous with this visceral tradition.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continuous prose" when you want to highlight the uninterrupted nature of a written work, especially when contrasting it with other forms like dialogue or verse.

Common error

Avoid using "continuous prose" interchangeably with stream of consciousness. While both involve a flow of writing, stream of consciousness specifically refers to a narrative style that mimics the unfiltered thoughts of a character, which isn't necessarily the goal of "continuous prose".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continuous prose" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing a style of writing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. It combines an adjective ("continuous") with a noun ("prose") to specify a particular quality of written work.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "continuous prose" describes an uninterrupted style of writing, often found in novels, essays, and articles. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable. While the term itself isn't overly common, understanding its meaning helps writers effectively describe and employ different writing styles. When using "continuous prose", focus on clarity, smooth transitions, and a consistent tone to achieve a seamless reading experience. Related phrases, such as "unbroken prose" and "flowing prose", offer alternative ways to express this concept. Avoid confusing it with more specific techniques like "stream of consciousness", as each technique has its own particular intention and usages.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unbroken prose

Replaces "continuous" with "unbroken", emphasizing the lack of interruptions in the writing.

uninterrupted prose

Emphasizes the lack of breaks in the writing by using the word "uninterrupted".

relentless prose

Substitutes "continuous" with "relentless", highlighting the persistent and unwavering nature of the writing.

flowing prose

Focuses on the smooth and natural progression of the writing.

sustained narrative

Shifts the focus to the narrative aspect, emphasizing its prolonged and unbroken nature.

connected narrative

Underscores the linked and coherent nature of the story being told.

extended discourse

Replaces "prose" with a more formal term, "discourse", indicating a lengthy and connected piece of writing.

seamless writing

Highlights the smooth and effortless quality of the writing style.

lengthy composition

Focuses on the substantial length and unified structure of the written work.

running text

Emphasizes the uninterrupted flow of words in a text, similar to how a script runs continuously.

FAQs

How is "continuous prose" different from other forms of writing?

"Continuous prose" differs from forms like poetry or drama by its structure and lack of line breaks or dialogue. It prioritizes a sustained, uninterrupted flow of text.

When is it appropriate to use "continuous prose" in writing?

It's appropriate when aiming for a smooth, uninterrupted reading experience, such as in novels, essays, or articles where a consistent flow of thought is desired.

What are some techniques for writing effective "continuous prose"?

Focus on clear transitions between ideas and maintain a consistent tone and style throughout the piece to ensure readability and coherence.

What's the difference between "continuous prose" and "stream of consciousness"?

While both involve a flow of writing, "continuous prose" is a general term for uninterrupted text, while "stream of consciousness" is a specific narrative technique that mimics a character's unfiltered thoughts.