control the narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

"control the narrative" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of influencing a conversation or discussion by focusing on a particular point of view or interpretation of an event. For example, you could say, "Our marketing team is working hard to control the narrative around our new product launch to make sure the public understands our message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Control the narrative.

The New York Times

Oprah let Armstrong control the narrative.

The New York Times

The AFL, as always, sought to control the narrative.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's very hard to control the narrative," she says.

The Guardian - Film

"We can control the narrative on Twitter," he continued.

The New Yorker

But Isis also realises that it cannot control the narrative the way its predecessors once could.

The Guardian

In countries where officials control the narrative, the Internet can also help to promote transparency.

The New Yorker

The noise you are hearing is the recognition that they no longer control the narrative.

Independent

It's levelling the playing field, making it impossible for the powers that be to control the narrative.

The Guardian

Nor did Armstrong seem to grasp the real harm he'd done in order to "control the narrative".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In isolation, the militia controlled the narrative.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "control the narrative", ensure your message is clear, consistent, and supported by verifiable facts to build credibility.

Common error

Avoid using manipulative tactics or spreading misinformation in an attempt to "control the narrative"; transparency and honesty are more effective in the long run.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "control the narrative" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of influencing or directing the presentation and interpretation of a story or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "control the narrative" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that means to influence or direct how a story or event is perceived. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used in news and media to describe efforts to shape public opinion and manage reputations. While aiming to "control the narrative", it's essential to prioritize transparency and accuracy. Alternatives include "shape the narrative" and "influence the storyline", offering nuanced ways to express this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shape the narrative

Emphasizes the act of giving form or direction to the story.

dominate the narrative

Highlights the idea of having the most powerful or influential voice in the story.

influence the storyline

Focuses on impacting the development and direction of the story.

manage the perception

Stresses directing how something is understood or regarded.

steer the conversation

Highlights guiding the discussion to a desired topic or perspective.

dictate the terms

Emphasizes setting the conditions and scope of the discussion.

call the shots

Highlights making the important decisions and directing actions.

orchestrate the events

Implies careful planning and coordination to influence the outcome.

manipulate the information

Focuses on skillfully handling information to achieve a specific goal.

frame the issue

Emphasizes the act of presenting an issue in a particular way to influence understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "control the narrative" to describe efforts to influence the way a story or event is perceived, such as: "The company launched a PR campaign to "control the narrative" surrounding the product recall."

What are some alternatives to "control the narrative"?

Alternatives include "shape the narrative", "dominate the narrative", or "influence the storyline". These phrases emphasize different aspects of influencing a story or situation.

What's the difference between "control the narrative" and "spin the story"?

"Control the narrative" suggests a broader effort to manage the overall perception of events, whereas "spin the story" often implies a more manipulative approach to present information in a favorable light, even if it's misleading.

Is it always ethical to try to "control the narrative"?

While it's natural to want to present your perspective, attempting to "control the narrative" can become unethical if it involves suppressing facts, spreading misinformation, or manipulating public opinion.