narrate something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrate something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe the act of telling a story or recounting events in a detailed manner. Example: "In her novel, she chose to narrate something that had happened during her childhood, bringing the past to life for her readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When writing, think about how it will look visually because eventually the script will narrate something visual.

WikiHow

You have to practice before you can effectively and entertainingly narrate something, whether it's a written poem or story, or a story you're telling that comes from your own life.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Obsessions — Paris, cute underwear, Jews' love of Chinese food — remain consistent, even as the brief selection narrates something like a bildungsroman, beginning on Long Island in the early seventies "in horror, yumiliation, and embarrassment" and ending in the present with something like happiness.

The New Yorker

Quoting here and there from Darwin's landmark book, it narrates something about where Darwin explored, what did he saw and thought.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Some events sound surrealistic, as if I am narrating something from a remote past, from a time none of them can now understand.

Huffington Post

At 63, Shaw retains an air of dapper mad scientist — with a full, buoyant head of graying hair and piercing blue eyes that he opens wide whenever narrating something particularly grotesque.

Los Angeles Times

When you're narrating something (a story, a poem, a joke) you want to make sure that you set the right mood.

WikiHow

ESPN's reverence was exemplified in a syrupy promo — in long form and sliced into mininuggets — narrated with something close to piety by the actor Thomas Haden Church that gave glimpses of the Augusta terrain as a golfer prepared to tee off.

The New York Times - Sports

This narration is known as mawquf narration: a companion saying or doing something, different from marfu' narration: a companion narrating from Prophet Muhammad.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

The slightly manipulative narration of this-person-is-paying-attention is a version of something Lemov calls Narrate the Positive; Ball's preferred approach, acting as if the distracted student was actually just not able to hear was Lemov's Assume the Best; and getting and holding the floor by adopting a different persona — that was what Lemov calls Strong Voice.

The New York Times - Magazine

I like to think that he was allowing us to tell his story or create something for him to narrate his own story in some ways.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing scripts or narratives, focus on using vivid language that translates well visually. This helps the audience easily imagine the scene or action you are describing when you "narrate something".

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when you "narrate something". Active voice makes the narrative more engaging and direct, drawing the audience in more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrate something" functions as a verb phrase, where "narrate" is the verb and "something" is the direct object. It is used to describe the action of telling or recounting a story or event. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "narrate something" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe the act of telling a story or recounting events. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, wiki entries, and scientific publications. While it is a common phrase, it's important to use it actively to engage the audience effectively. Alternative phrases like "tell a story" or "describe an event" can be used for variety. Remember to avoid passive voice to maintain an engaging narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tell a story

Offers a simpler and more common way to express the idea.

present a narrative

Uses a more formal term for story.

describe an event

Focuses on providing details about a specific occurrence.

relate an incident

Similar to "describe an event" but with a focus on a particular incident.

detail a situation

Centers on providing extensive information about a specific situation.

recount a tale

Uses a more formal word choice and a different noun.

report an occurrence

Suggests a formal or official communication of an event.

give an account of

Emphasizes providing a structured and detailed report.

verbalize an experience

Highlights the act of expressing an experience through words.

chronicle a happening

Implies a recording of events in a sequential order.

FAQs

How can I use "narrate something" effectively in a sentence?

Use "narrate something" to describe the act of telling a story or recounting events in a detailed manner. For example, "She chose to "narrate something" that had happened during her childhood, bringing the past to life for her readers."

What are some alternatives to "narrate something"?

You can use alternatives such as "tell a story", "describe an event", or "recount a tale", depending on the specific context.

Is "narrate something" formal or informal?

"Narrate something" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "narrate something" and "describe something"?

"Narrate something" implies telling a story or recounting events, often with a chronological order or personal perspective. "Describe something" focuses on providing details and characteristics without necessarily telling a story.