narrative of events

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrative of events" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a sequence of occurrences or a story that outlines specific incidents or happenings. Example: "The report provided a detailed narrative of events leading up to the incident, helping to clarify the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

White was criticised by some for his unquestioning acceptance of Jackie Kennedy's narrative of events, but what an interview.

Independent

Nobody would expect to read here anything that diverged from the tightly held official narrative of events.

The New Yorker

Zimba soon had her own parody Twitter account, @LittleZimba, which put forward a different narrative of events.

The Guardian

The review received more than 2,200 documents, the report said, to generate a "narrative" of events.

The Guardian

Cooper denied that any loss had been incurred by any individuals or employees and disputed the prosecution's narrative of events.

The Guardian

In the government's narrative of events, the scammers in the Illinois case shrewdly understood how little information was provided to cardholders on their statements.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

In histories of ways of life and ways of thinking, from the Middle Ages to 1800, they and their confrères focussed not on narratives of events — let alone the doings of statesmen and diplomats — but, as the journal's subtitle eventually put it, on "economies, societies, civilizations".

The New Yorker

Social scientists say that our perception of reality is altered by the narrative "framing" of events.

The Guardian - Sport

Because language is abandoned outside the lounge, we're forced to imagine it, or to make narrative cohesion of events that are unfolding right before our eyes — or on the floor below, without us.

The New Yorker

Additionally, a qualitative descriptive analysis technique [ 20] was used to analyze narrative descriptions of events, such as those provided by patients who described instances of incorrect use of the device.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

The result, Rights of Man (February/March 1791) coupled a narrative of French events with a trenchant attack on Burke and the Revolution Settlement of 1688.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a "narrative of events", focus on presenting information in a clear, chronological order to enhance understanding and avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary details or embellishments that can distract from the core "narrative of events". Stick to essential facts and maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrative of events" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a structured account or retelling of a series of happenings. As seen in Ludwig, it is often used to describe official reports, historical accounts, or witness testimonies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "narrative of events" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a structured account of happenings. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, the phrase is most frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When crafting your own "narrative of events", remember to prioritize clarity and conciseness, avoiding unnecessary details that might obscure the core message. If desired, consider using alternatives such as "account of events" or "chronicle of happenings" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

account of what happened

Replaces "narrative" with "account" and uses "what happened" for a more informal tone.

chronicle of happenings

Substitutes "narrative" with "chronicle" and "events" with "happenings", implying a detailed and chronological record.

detailed recounting of incidents

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the description and replaces "events" with "incidents".

report on the sequence of actions

Focuses on the order of actions and uses "report" instead of "narrative" for a more formal and objective feel.

presentation of the unfolding situation

Highlights the dynamic nature of the situation as it progresses.

story of the occurrences

Uses "story" for "narrative" and "occurrences" for "events", making it sound more casual.

description of the unfolding drama

Implies a more dramatic and engaging sequence of events.

recital of facts

Stresses the factual nature of the account.

version of the proceedings

Suggests a particular perspective or interpretation of what took place.

portrayal of the situation

Focuses on how the situation is depicted or represented.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "narrative of events" in a sentence?

You can use "narrative of events" to describe a structured account of occurrences, like, "The witness provided a detailed narrative of events leading up to the accident."

What are some alternatives to "narrative of events"?

Alternatives include "account of events", "chronicle of happenings", or "description of the unfolding drama", depending on the context.

What makes a good "narrative of events"?

A good "narrative of events" is clear, concise, and presents information in a logical order. It should accurately reflect what happened without unnecessary embellishment.

Is "narrative of events" formal or informal?

"Narrative of events" is generally suitable for formal and neutral contexts, such as reports, news articles, and historical accounts. For very informal settings, a simpler term like "story" might be more appropriate.