narrative pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrative pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the speed at which a story unfolds, particularly in literature, film, or other storytelling mediums. Example: "The narrative pace of the novel kept readers on the edge of their seats, as the action unfolded rapidly in the final chapters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

3) Narrative pace.

The Guardian - Books

Scott's drunken blackouts are represented by sudden accelerations of narrative pace.

The Guardian - Books

The attention to every aspect of the operation, while impressive, hampers narrative pace and direction.

The Guardian - Film

The result is once again a highly readable book, with narrative pace.

The Guardian - Books

The reinterpretation is bold, but the narrative pace is as stately and plodding as an Easter pageant's.

The New York Times - Arts

It lacks the narrative pace of the DaimlerChrysler book, but its analysis of what went wrong is thorough and well-founded.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Much of Zweig's skill resides in shrewd narrative pacing.

The New Yorker

He has a superb ear for speech rhythms, a generally astute sense of selective detail, and a natural storyteller's command of narrative pacing.

The New Yorker

Rushing through its involved narrative paces like a coked-up contestant in a Gilbert and Sullivan patter contest, the show somehow manages to seem stillborn.

The New York Times

And though he was a peerless vibraphone player, his sense of narrative pacing and the clear statement may have come from his early experience as a gospel singer.

The New York Times - Arts

"BREAKING BAD," the excellent extended mini-series about living with cancer, the crisis in health care and the manufacturing of crystal meth, returns for a second season (AMC, 10 p.m. Sunday), its narrative pacing quickened and tightened.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary the "narrative pace" to create different effects. A faster pace can build excitement, while a slower pace can create suspense or allow for deeper character development.

Common error

Avoid an inconsistent "narrative pace" that abruptly shifts between fast and slow without a clear purpose. Ensure that changes in pace serve the story's emotional or thematic goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrative pace" functions as a noun phrase that refers to the speed or rhythm at which a story unfolds. It is often used in literary and film criticism to analyze how effectively a writer or director controls the flow of information and events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "narrative pace" is a commonly used and grammatically sound term that describes the speed or rhythm at which a story unfolds. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in written English and has a neutral register, frequently appearing in news, media, and literary contexts. When discussing "narrative pace", consider factors like sentence length, descriptive detail, and dialogue to create a compelling and engaging story. Varying the pace can help to build excitement or create suspense. Alternatives like "story tempo" and "pacing of the story" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

story tempo

Focuses specifically on the speed or rate at which a story progresses.

pacing of the story

Highlights the arrangement and control of time within a narrative.

rhythm of narration

Emphasizes the beat and flow of the storytelling.

narrative rhythm

Similar to "rhythm of narration" but more concise.

speed of the plot

Concentrates on how quickly the plot events unfold.

narrative tempo

Uses 'tempo', a musical term, to suggest the speed of the narrative.

plot progression

Highlights the way the plot advances and develops over time.

story's momentum

Emphasizes the driving force and energy behind the narrative's forward movement.

narrative drive

Focuses on what propels the story forward.

development of the narrative

Highlights how the narrative unfolds and takes shape.

FAQs

How does "narrative pace" affect storytelling?

The "narrative pace" controls how quickly or slowly a story unfolds, influencing the reader's engagement and emotional response. A well-managed pace enhances tension, suspense, or character development.

What influences the "narrative pace" of a story?

Factors such as sentence length, descriptive detail, dialogue, and the frequency of plot events all contribute to the "narrative pace". Balancing these elements is key to effective storytelling.

What are some alternatives to saying "narrative pace"?

You can use alternatives like "story tempo", "pacing of the story", or "rhythm of narration" depending on the context.

How do different genres affect the ideal "narrative pace"?

Thrillers often benefit from a faster "narrative pace" to maintain suspense, while literary fiction may employ a slower pace to explore character depth and thematic nuances. The genre dictates audience expectations for pacing.