gripping plot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gripping plot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a story with a suspenseful and compelling narrative. For example, "The novel had a gripping plot that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I give this book 10/10 for its gripping plot and sidesplitting jokes.

The Guardian

The undeniably gripping plot also draws attention away from the wider context, perhaps inevitably.

The Guardian - Books

The vivid realism of the novel's setting adds depth to an already gripping plot.

The New York Times - Books

He hopes the trilogy will be read for its gripping plot, first and foremost.

The New York Times - Books

Endless, frustrating, complicated, gripping plot... Sheffer soon discovered that there were rules that weren't apparent until you broke them.

The New Yorker

We may be suspicious of lyricism and dubious of a gripping plot, but jokes — jokes are for real.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Aside from a gripping, plot-driven story, the book is memorable for McCarthy's spare yet beautiful writing style, as if he'd taken a George Orwell essay on the economy of language as a guiding principle: "He lowered the glasses and pulled down the cotton mask from his face and wiped his nose on the back of his wrist and then glassed the country again.

The Guardian - Books

The power of his work has come from the way he combines gripping plots with explorations of the social and political ramifications of the US justice system.

The Guardian - Books

Each of these uses concise, evocative scenes to cumulatively express the particular mood of a particular phase of its narrator's life, while also managing to unfold gripping plots, as if incidentally.

The New Yorker

It was set during and after the second world war and it featured the elements that typified her later work: life in small-town Ireland, family relationships, humour, and gripping plots.

The Guardian - Books

They're writing books that, while they have the gripping plots that have always been associated with crime fiction, also have wonderful writing, complex characters, thematic depth, the whole lot.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gripping plot" to describe a narrative that effectively captures and maintains the reader's attention through suspense, intrigue, or emotional investment.

Common error

Avoid using "gripping plot" repetitively in a review or analysis. Vary your language by using synonyms like "compelling narrative" or "riveting narrative" to add nuance and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gripping plot" primarily functions as a descriptive element, enhancing nouns. It is an adjective-noun combination used to characterize the narrative structure of a story, indicating its ability to capture and maintain the reader's attention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gripping plot" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for describing a captivating narrative. Ludwig's analysis confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and book reviews. While versatile, it's advisable to vary your language with synonyms like "compelling narrative" or "intriguing plot" to avoid repetition. Remember to highlight the specific elements that make the plot gripping, such as suspense or unexpected twists, to enhance your description. Overall, "gripping plot" is a useful and effective term when used thoughtfully and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intriguing plot

Focuses on the mysterious and fascinating quality of the sequence of events.

compelling narrative

Focuses on the forceful and persuasive nature of the story.

riveting narrative

Indicates the story's ability to hold the reader's attention tightly.

thrilling storyline

Focuses on the excitement and suspense generated by the story.

captivating storyline

Emphasizes the enchanting and immersive quality of the narrative.

suspenseful narrative

Emphasizes the element of suspense and anticipation in the story.

page-turning story

Highlights the story's ability to encourage continuous reading.

engrossing story

Highlights the ability of the story to completely consume one's attention.

absorbing story

Highlights the ability of the story to completely occupy the reader's attention.

enthralling tale

Stresses the magical and spellbinding aspect of the narrative.

FAQs

How can I use "gripping plot" in a sentence?

You can use "gripping plot" to describe a story that holds your attention. For example: "The novel's "gripping plot" kept me up all night."

What are some synonyms for "gripping plot"?

Alternatives include "compelling narrative", "captivating storyline", or "intriguing plot". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of a story's appeal.

Is it appropriate to use "gripping plot" in formal writing?

Yes, "gripping plot" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It's a common and well-understood phrase.

What makes a plot "gripping"?

A "gripping plot" typically involves suspense, unexpected twists, and strong emotional investment, making the reader eager to know what happens next.