drive the plot forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"drive the plot forward" is correct and is common in both spoken and written English.
You can use it when talking about a story, narrative, or film. For example, "The twist at the climax helped to drive the plot forward and keep the audience engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Those prices provide the scarcity needed to drive the plot forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

Characters are lied to, those lies mislead the audience as well, and they drive the plot forward.

MIT Technology Review

Another function of the Bond girl is to drive the plot forward by being in danger, and in need of rescue.

Independent

Not only was he quickly taking control and coming up with intuitive leaps of deduction to drive the plot forward, he's even starting to sound a bit like Baker, pronouncing his vowels with a portentous bass rumble.

Independent

Meanwhile, there are two MacGuffins to drive the plot forward: Kit is trying to discover the identity of his mother, which Guy has concealed; and all the characters are anxiously looking for a tape – which may or may not be a porn film that they made together in their student days.

The Guardian - Books

Meanwhile, there are two MacGuffins to drive the plot forward: Kit is trying to discover the identity of his mother, which Guy has concealed; and all the characters are anxiously looking for a tape – which may or may not be a porn film that they made in their student days.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Sometimes they are friends, other times they are not speaking, but the "will they won't they" aspect drives the plot forward and we are constantly kept guessing as to whether this vastly different pair will end up together.

Independent

He probably ought to confine his romantic attentions to his own kind (girls on his home planet love "differently," readers learn), but as tends to happen in the vampire novels, he develops strong feelings for a human girl and she for him, and this is what drives the plot forward into the next volume.

The New York Times - Magazine

It drives the plot forward too.

Huffington Post

The relationship between the sisters and the Greater Fiend Doku, who cursed them, serves as a plot device to drive the game forward, with Rachel occasionally needing to be rescued by Ryu.

Wikipedia

The female characters also drive the plot.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drive the plot forward" to describe specific elements or events that contribute significantly to the story's progression, such as character decisions, plot twists, or revelations.

Common error

Avoid using "drive the plot forward" in contexts that don't involve storytelling or narrative progression. It's specific to discussing elements that advance a story, not general progress or advancement in other areas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive the plot forward" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of advancing a narrative or storyline. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity and common usage for plot progression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drive the plot forward" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the advancement of a narrative. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, and the examples show its frequent use in news, media, and book reviews. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts from casual discussions to formal analysis. When writing, it's best to reserve "drive the plot forward" for situations specifically relating to plot advancement in storytelling. Consider alternatives such as "advance the storyline" or "propel the narrative" to diversify your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance the storyline

Focuses on the progression of the story's events.

propel the narrative

Emphasizes a forceful movement of the story.

develop the plot

Highlights the gradual unfolding and expansion of the story.

move the story onward

Simple and direct, indicating a continuous progression.

push the story ahead

Suggests effort in making the story progress.

further the narrative

Indicates contributing to the story's advancement.

escalate the action

Focuses on increasing the intensity of events.

intensify the storyline

Highlights increasing the emotional or dramatic content.

progress the plot

A slightly more formal way to indicate advancement.

stimulate the action

Suggests invigorating the pace and energy of the narrative.

FAQs

How can I use "drive the plot forward" in a sentence?

You can use "drive the plot forward" to describe elements that advance the narrative, like, "The protagonist's decision to betray his friend significantly drove the plot forward."

What are some alternatives to "drive the plot forward"?

Alternatives include "advance the storyline", "propel the narrative", or "develop the plot", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of narrative progression.

Is it appropriate to use "drive the plot forward" in formal writing?

Yes, "drive the plot forward" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in literary analysis, film reviews, or discussions about storytelling techniques. Its usage is well-documented across reputable sources.

What's the difference between "drive the plot forward" and "move the plot forward"?

While similar, "drive the plot forward" suggests a more forceful or impactful advancement, whereas "move the plot forward" implies a more general progression. The choice depends on the degree of impact you wish to convey.