elaborate narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elaborate narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a detailed and complex story or account, often in literary or academic contexts. Example: "The author crafted an elaborate narrative that intertwined multiple characters and themes, captivating the readers from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The image does not lend itself to any dark or elaborate narrative.

The New York Times

The album's elaborate narrative details how the bride is abandoned at the altar, her fiance killed on his way there.

The Guardian - Music

Certainly not the elaborate narrative outlined in the show's handout, which involves the Golem of Jewish mythology as well as St. Sebastian, C-3PO, Lincoln and Jesus.

The New York Times - Arts

The author focusses on the interwoven lives of a number of characters in language as forthright and free of metaphor as a police report, and on the construction of an elaborate narrative that shifts between present and past action.

The New Yorker

The clip is an elaborate narrative goof in its foreshadowing of a scene in which Joy will have to reconcile herself to the notion of killing to protect an investment.

The New Yorker

But to dismiss "Community" as no more than the sum of its movie parodies, "Dr. Who" shout-outs and elaborate narrative games would be unfair and wouldn't explain the passion of its advocates.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The confessions included elaborate narratives about how the agency supposedly distributed "chips," or homing beacons, to local spies.

The New Yorker

"Broad Street" (2001), the largest, most recent video piece in the exhibition, indicates Ms. Wearing's interest in more elaborate narratives.

The New York Times - Arts

We spin elaborate narratives out of the slenderest of observational threads: Look, the blue jay is trying to dislodge the cowbird from the feeder.

The New York Times - Science

How could he hope to go back to his previous work — to write elaborate narratives of crime and detection, full of plots and counterplots, with all the necessary corrections and revisions and redrafting that a writer must do?

The New Yorker

This time round there are no elaborate narratives, but there is a common theme: these are songs of a broken, divided society and the gap between rich and poor, but with the anger matched against humour.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elaborate narrative" when you want to emphasize the complexity and detail of a story or account. It's particularly effective in literary analysis, film criticism, or when describing historical events.

Common error

Avoid using "elaborate narrative" when a simpler term like "story" or "account" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborate narrative" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "elaborate" modifies the noun "narrative". It's used to describe a story or account that is detailed and complex. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

17%

Arts

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elaborate narrative" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe a detailed and complex story or account. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to act as a noun phrase, where "elaborate" modifies "narrative". It often conveys a sense of sophistication or intricacy in storytelling, making it particularly suitable for use in news media, science, and art-related contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overusing it in simpler contexts where more straightforward terms would suffice. Related phrases include "complex storyline" and "detailed account".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex storyline

Emphasizes the intricacy of the plot.

detailed account

Focuses on the thoroughness and completeness of the information.

intricate plot

Highlights the interwoven nature of the narrative's events.

thorough description

Stresses the comprehensiveness of the portrayal.

extensive chronicle

Suggests a lengthy and detailed historical record.

complex exposition

Highlights the complexity of the explanation or presentation of information.

detailed explanation

Emphasizes clarity and comprehensiveness in the presentation.

intricate account

Highlights the detailed and complicated nature of the story.

thorough narration

Underscores the completeness of the storytelling.

extensive story

Focuses on the considerable length and details of the story.

FAQs

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

You can use "elaborate narrative" to describe a detailed and complex story. For example: "The film presented an "elaborate narrative" filled with twists and turns."

What are some alternatives to "elaborate narrative"?

You can use alternatives like "complex storyline", "detailed account", or "intricate plot" depending on the context.

Is "elaborate narrative" formal or informal?

"Elaborate narrative" is generally considered a more formal term, suitable for academic writing, literary analysis, or detailed reports. Simpler terms might be preferred in informal contexts.

When is it best to use "elaborate narrative" instead of a simpler phrase?

Use "elaborate narrative" when you want to emphasize the intricate and detailed nature of a story or account, particularly in contexts where complexity is a key feature.