develop a plot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop a plot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of creating a storyline for a narrative, such as in writing a book, screenplay, or other forms of storytelling. Example: "In order to create a compelling story, it's essential to develop a plot that engages the audience and drives the narrative forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It insisted there were "no current plans" to develop a plot around the radicalisation of a member or members of the soap's Muslim family, the Masoods.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Through this program, which had my entire class intrigued, we learned how to develop a plot, build character descriptions and foreshadow, through writing our novels.

The New York Times

(Are we watching a series of dreams?) Mr. Guerin is deeply invested in structural ideas; the movie doesn't develop a plot so much as a diagram that you could map out with a ruler and a really, really sharp pencil.

The New York Times

His other son, Walter, drew laughter from the audience as he recalled that many people "tried to get my Dad to jazz things up — develop a plot, bring in some action".

The New York Times

They are deriving resonance from these ideologies but, independent of any group, they are going to develop a plot … walk into churches, synagogues, crowded places and kill as many people as possible".

The Guardian

But the billing records show that most of her work came in a short period, and that it was devoted to helping Mr. McDougal and Seth Ward, a Little Rock businessman, develop a plot near Little Rock known as Castle Grande.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In a series of drafts, Nair and Taraporevala developed a plot from the stories of street children they had interviewed.

The New Yorker

Reaching its climax in a storm that seems overwrought even by its own melodramatic standards, the book then also develops a plot twist that seems far too unlikely to be acceptable.

The Guardian - Books

In an extremely curious, even bizarre, chapter of this history, Eleanor and her brothers, Arthur and Gerald, along with various close friends and colleagues, apparently developed a plot, supposedly with help from the "other side," to bring about the birth of a "spirit child" who could become a new Messiah, ushering in a reign of global peace (Roy, 2008, Gray, 2011).

SEP

However, it had not yet developed a plot to expound these themes.

Wikipedia

Bob is released from prison and develops a plot to kill Krusty using Bart as a suicide bomber during Krusty's retirement special.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management, "develop a plot" refers to outlining the steps, resources, and timelines needed to achieve a specific goal, similar to crafting a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Common error

Don't let your plot meander aimlessly. Ensure each scene contributes to the overall narrative and moves the story forward. A weak plot can lose the reader's interest quickly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a plot" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of creating, expanding, or elaborating on a storyline, scheme, or plan. As Ludwig indicates, it is correctly used in written English. Examples on Ludwig illustrate usage in creative writing, terrorism plots, and project management.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

20%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop a plot" is grammatically correct and describes the process of creating or elaborating on a storyline or plan. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, including creative writing, strategic planning, and even plotting illicit activities. While not extremely common, it's a versatile phrase that appears most frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and wiki articles. When writing, ensure your plot is well-defined and contributes to the overall narrative to avoid losing your audience's interest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a storyline

Focuses more on the narrative aspect.

craft a narrative

Emphasizes the skill and artistry involved in storytelling.

formulate a plan

Highlights the planning and strategizing aspect, applicable beyond just stories.

devise a scheme

Implies a more elaborate or cunning plan, often with a negative connotation.

design a framework

More about outlining the structure and core elements.

outline a scenario

Focuses on creating a possible sequence of events.

conceive a story

Highlights the initial idea and conceptualization of a narrative.

generate a script

Specifically related to creating a screenplay or play.

build a scenario

Suggests a step-by-step construction of the narrative.

structure the events

Emphasizes the organization and arrangement of incidents.

FAQs

How can I effectively "develop a plot" for a novel?

Start with a central conflict, create compelling characters, and structure your story with a clear beginning, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Consider using tools like "create a storyline" or "craft a narrative".

What are some alternatives to saying "develop a plot"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "create a storyline", "formulate a plan", or "design a framework".

Is it better to "develop a plot" before or after creating characters?

It depends on your writing style. Some writers prefer to "develop a plot" first and then create characters to fit the story, while others start with characters and let the plot emerge from their actions and motivations.

What are the key elements to consider when you "develop a plot"?

Consider the central conflict, the protagonist's goals, the obstacles they face, the stakes involved, and the ultimate resolution of the story. Ensure there is a clear cause-and-effect relationship between events.