ongoing story

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ongoing story" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrative or situation that is currently in progress and has not yet reached a conclusion. Example: "The ongoing story of the investigation has captivated the public's attention for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sunday dinners: an ongoing story" reads his website.

The Guardian - Travel

"We knew it was an ongoing story," he said.

The New York Times

This is an ongoing story which has been researched throughout".

Independent

This is where America's ongoing story becomes instructive.

The Guardian

From "The Ongoing Story: Twitter and Writing," by Thomas Beller.

The New Yorker

All three are part of a huge, ongoing story.

The Guardian

The San Jose gambit has been an ongoing story line with the Giants and A's.

The New York Times

Graffiti is always an ongoing story, I don't see it as the end of anything.

The Guardian

Not that any ongoing story is necessarily what keeps you watching here.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Along with the occasional arm to a throat, this is the ongoing story of DC United.

The Guardian - Sport

And I have to tell them John is still John – it's an ongoing story".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ongoing story" to indicate that a situation or narrative is still in progress and subject to change. It's especially useful in news reporting or project management to convey the dynamic nature of the subject.

Common error

While "ongoing story" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "what's happening" or "the current situation" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ongoing story" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe a situation, event, or narrative that is currently in progress and hasn't reached its conclusion. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ongoing story" is a versatile expression used to describe a narrative or situation that is currently developing and without a definitive conclusion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and broadly applicable. This phrase is common in news reporting, academic research, and business contexts to convey the evolving nature of the subject. While "ongoing story" is generally neutral in register, it should be used judiciously in informal conversations. Related phrases include "continuing narrative" and "developing situation", each with nuances that might make them more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfolding story

Emphasizes the gradual revelation of the story.

continuing narrative

Emphasizes the narrative aspect and its continuation.

evolving narrative

Highlights the gradual changes and progress of a story.

continuous narrative

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the narrative.

developing situation

Highlights the evolving nature of the circumstances.

unfolding events

Focuses on the gradual revelation of events.

evolving situation

Focuses on the changes and development within a particular situation.

progressing account

Highlights the forward movement of an account or description.

developing saga

Highlights the complex and unfolding nature of a long-term story.

current situation

Highlights the present state of affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "ongoing story" in a sentence?

You can use "ongoing story" to describe a situation or narrative that is still developing. For example, "The investigation into the incident is an "ongoing story", with new details emerging daily".

What's a good alternative to "ongoing story"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "continuing narrative", "developing situation", or "unfolding events".

Is it appropriate to use "ongoing story" in formal writing?

Yes, "ongoing story" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, academic papers, and business documents where you need to convey that a situation is still in progress and evolving.

What's the difference between "ongoing story" and "finished story"?

"Ongoing story" refers to a narrative or situation that is still developing and doesn't have a conclusion yet, while "finished story" implies that the narrative has reached its end and all the details are known.