flowing narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

'flowing narrative' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a piece of writing that has a smooth, graceful, and continuous flow. For example, "The author's flowing narrative was captivating, drawing me in until the very end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This eloquently written and smooth flowing narrative kicks off with a quote that is nothing but contradictory.

The Guardian

But they need to taught in context as part of a flowing narrative not plucked out and plonked down for a sectional interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not a book about politics; it is the story of the adventures of Tony, Gordon and others who were in government, a flowing narrative uninterrupted by any cumbersome policy detail.

Independent

But I find I recall a scene from my past not as a flowing narrative, but – at least initially – as a picture, or tableau vivant, the details of which I then come back to again and again to interrogate.

The Guardian - Books

The superiority of love and its many follies". While the best of his asides to the bench can be quite witty, they sometimes come off as unnecessary digressions in an otherwise easefully flowing narrative.

The New York Times - Books

And he does so with such an easily flowing narrative, such a becoming combination of wit and preci sion, that one quickly forgets that he is writing a book without hero, villain, ax to grind, climax or denouement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

While it is still a challenge to create readable, accurate, flowing narratives based on the facts, it is another level of complexity to understand weights, both logical and emotional, on facets of an argument, build a narrative around that, and then support the narrative from chosen facts.

Forbes

The end of every shot includes a one-second, wildly distracting freeze frame that effectively ruins any sense of flow, narrative or cumulative emotional impact.

The New York Times - Tech

A data elicitation tool designed for the purpose comprised a pre-interview questionnaire followed by a one-to-one interview protocol consisting of free-flow narratives and semi-structured interviews of WTC evacuees.

Fire Safety Journal

Mr. Spencer, for all his verbal inventiveness, has to work too hard to keep his narrative flowing coherently.

The New York Times - Books

Even to open "The Chief," David Nasaw's wonderful new biography of William Randolph Hearst, is to be swept away by the narrative flowing through its pages.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flowing narrative" to describe writing that is not only easy to read but also engaging and keeps the reader's attention. For example, use it when the plot unfolds naturally, and the language is smooth and accessible.

Common error

Avoid using "flowing narrative" simply because the writing is lengthy or verbose. Ensure the narrative has a clear direction and purpose, not just a smooth surface without depth or meaningful content. A truly flowing narrative is both elegant and substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flowing narrative" functions as a descriptive term, modifying the noun 'narrative' to indicate a quality of smoothness and continuity. It suggests the narrative progresses effortlessly and is easy to follow. Ludwig shows examples in book reviews and analyses of films.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flowing narrative" is a descriptive phrase used to commend the smooth, continuous, and engaging quality of a narrative. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic discussions. While it's appropriate for various registers, it's crucial to ensure the narrative has substance beyond just stylistic flow. Alternatives like "smooth storyline" or "seamless account" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smooth storyline

Focuses on the storyline being smooth rather than the narrative itself.

seamless account

Emphasizes the seamlessness of the account, suggesting a lack of interruptions or inconsistencies.

fluid storytelling

Highlights the fluidity of the storytelling process.

coherent exposition

Stresses the clarity and logical consistency of the explanation or presentation.

uninterrupted discourse

Focuses on the continuous nature of the communication or discussion.

graceful prose

Emphasizes the elegance and smoothness of the writing style.

articulate flow

Highlights the clear and effective expression of ideas in a continuous manner.

well-paced story

Focuses on the rhythm and tempo of the story's progression.

easy-to-follow narrative

Highlights the accessibility and comprehensibility of the narrative.

continuous thread

Emphasizes the unbroken connection and progression of ideas within the narrative.

FAQs

How can I effectively create a "flowing narrative" in my writing?

To achieve a "flowing narrative", focus on logical transitions between ideas, maintain a consistent tone, and use clear, concise language. Avoid abrupt shifts in topic or style that could disrupt the reader's experience.

What distinguishes a "flowing narrative" from a disjointed one?

A "flowing narrative" is characterized by its smooth transitions, coherent structure, and consistent voice. A disjointed narrative, in contrast, lacks these qualities, often feeling fragmented and difficult to follow.

In what contexts is the term "flowing narrative" most appropriately used?

The term "flowing narrative" is suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize the smoothness and ease of understanding of a story, explanation, or account. This can be applied to books, movies, presentations, or even conversations.

What are some alternatives to "flowing narrative" that I could use in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "smooth storyline", "seamless account", or "fluid storytelling" depending on the context.