overwhelming narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrative or story that is very powerful or intense in its impact on the reader or listener. Example: The overwhelming narrative of the protagonist's journey through adversity gripped the audience and left them with a lasting impression.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

There was no overwhelming narrative drive or inner dramatic life to animate them.

The Guardian - Film

There is such swagger here, and such an overwhelming narrative abundance, an abundance that takes in much more than the gift-giving might lead us to contemplate.

Independent

While it is impossible to independently verify every detail, the stories contribute to an overwhelming narrative of death, loss and destruction.

The Guardian

The overwhelming narrative has been one of incompetence and failure in an otherwise noble, if ill-conceived and badly managed endeavour to free Iraqis from tyranny.

The Guardian

Within certain online communities, an overwhelming narrative of hate has developed around Sarkeesian, depicting her work as an attack on "gamers", with an underlying censorship agenda.

The Guardian - Tech

It would be churlish not to recognise the politicised minority who are rising up and occupying things, but the overwhelming narrative of recession Britain is one of political quiescence and cultural conservatism.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

As unfair as that might be, that's the overwhelming media narrative.

Forbes

Its teeming, overwhelming breadth of narrative complications has proved productive — the movie has sparked his subsequent decade of amazingly prolific, ever more brazenly and crisply intricate storytelling.

The New Yorker

John Shrapnel makes a riveting Theramene, the counselor of Hippolytus to whom it falls to relate the overwhelming eleventh-hour narrative that, as is the way of Racine, leaves climactic incidents reported as opposed to shown.

The New York Times - Arts

There is the blending of high and low points of cultural reference; the love of bright color and the broadly brushed renderings of people and of architecture; the expressive, even crude handling of paint and other materials, and finally, what you might call an overwhelming preoccupation with narrative.

The New York Times

An overwhelming majority of narratives from female CHWs, women and men pointed to improvements brought about by the recent introduction of male CHWs.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overwhelming narrative", ensure the context clearly indicates that the narrative has a significant impact or influence on the audience or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming narrative" to describe a story that is merely long or complex. It should convey a sense of profound impact or widespread acceptance, not just size or intricacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming narrative" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "overwhelming" modifies the noun "narrative". It describes a narrative that is so powerful or prevalent that it dominates a particular context or understanding, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overwhelming narrative" effectively conveys the idea of a dominant and influential storyline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific and academic contexts, denoting its broad applicability across diverse disciplines. Related phrases like "dominant storyline" or "prevailing account" offer subtle variations in emphasis, allowing writers to fine-tune their message. When using this phrase, remember that it suggests more than just popularity; it implies a significant impact or influence on the audience or situation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal narrative

Highlights the leading or foremost story being told.

dominant storyline

Focuses on the storyline being the prevailing or controlling one.

prevailing account

Highlights the widespread acceptance or currency of a particular explanation or story.

major theme

Emphasizes a recurring and significant idea or subject within a work or discussion.

central argument

Spotlights the core claim or point being presented.

primary focus

Indicates the main subject or area of attention.

chief message

Points to the key takeaway or main point conveyed.

compelling story

Focuses on the story being captivating and persuasive.

pervasive idea

Highlights the extent to which an idea is present or influential.

widespread belief

Emphasizes the broad acceptance of a particular idea or conviction.

FAQs

How can I use "overwhelming narrative" in a sentence?

You can use "overwhelming narrative" to describe a dominant or pervasive storyline. For example, "The "dominant storyline" in the media focused on the economic crisis".

What are some alternatives to "overwhelming narrative"?

Some alternatives include "prevailing account", "major theme", or "central argument", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "overwhelming narrative" in formal writing?

Yes, "overwhelming narrative" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing impactful stories or themes in academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "overwhelming narrative" and "popular narrative"?

"Overwhelming narrative" suggests a narrative that is not only widely known but also significantly influential, whereas "popular narrative" simply indicates widespread familiarity or appeal.