present a narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "present a narrative" 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 structured manner. Example: "In her presentation, she chose to present a narrative that highlighted the challenges faced by the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

We will present a narrative on the incidence and presentation of cervical cancer and ovarian cancer in pregnancy followed by a pictorial description of their key imaging findings at various disease stages.

Cancer Imaging

Journalist Mark Lawson will also present a narrative history of European detectives in the autumn.

The Guardian

The impulse behind the play and movie alike, Mr. Carson said, was not to present a narrative with clinical accuracy.

The New York Times

The Museum for African Art will present a narrative pictures workshop for children 5 and older, tomorrow at 1 p.m., at 593 Broadway, SoHo.

The New York Times - Arts

They present a narrative more reassuring to their viewers, one which rarely uses the word terrorism and which makes it clear that you have little to worry about if you're not Sikh or Muslim.

The New Yorker

Given your party's electoral precariousness at the moment, it is vital that you and your colleagues present a narrative which suggests that Britain today is a place where white people can't get on and black people are given incredible advantages. 2 Ebacc There is a real danger that you're about to be stabbed in the back by your predecessor Kenneth Baker.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

At pains to place Baartman's behavior and life in a framework of feminist and psychoanalytic interpretation, Holmes presents a narrative overladen with theory, however deftly disguised.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, the trial presented a narrative of Daniel's misery, which ended on Jan . 2 , 2002when he hung himself in his bedroom closet.

The New York Times

It adds layers, draws out contradictions and sharpens them, digs down into complexity, presenting a narrative that is rich and not simple at all.

Independent

Following the Emersonian injunction that there is no history, only biography, Kamp, who is a writer and editor at Vanity Fair and GQ, presents a narrative driven by personalities.

The New York Times - Books

He clipped text from each and pasted it into a scrapbook in parallel columns that presented a narrative that began with Jesus' unmiraculous birth, recounted his ministry, and ended with his burial in the sealed tomb.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "present a narrative", ensure your narrative has a clear structure with a beginning, middle and end to effectively engage your audience.

Common error

Ensure your narrative has a specific focus and avoids excessive tangents or irrelevant details that can confuse or bore your audience. A well-defined scope keeps the narrative engaging and coherent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "present a narrative" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of conveying a story or account. It's used to describe the act of structuring information into a coherent and engaging format, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "present a narrative" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe the act of conveying a story or structured account. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is often used in science, news and media contexts, as evidenced by the provided examples. While "tell a story" is a more informal alternative, "present a narrative" suggests a more organized and deliberate effort to convey information or events. It is important to avoid vagueness and ensure that the narrative maintains focus to effectively engage the audience. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is valid and applicable in diverse contexts, emphasizing the importance of clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tell a story

Focuses specifically on the act of storytelling rather than presenting an account.

offer an account

Emphasizes the act of providing a detailed description or report.

recount the events

Focuses on narrating a series of occurrences.

provide a description

Highlights the act of giving details about something.

lay out the facts

Emphasizes presenting factual information in a clear and organized manner.

give a rendition

Suggests a performance or interpretation of an event or story.

develop a storyline

Focuses on crafting the plot and progression of a story.

deliver a tale

More informal and emphasizes the entertainment aspect of storytelling.

share an anecdote

Implies telling a short, amusing story about a real incident or person.

sketch the background

Emphasizes providing the context or history necessary for understanding something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "present a narrative" in academic writing?

In academic writing, "present a narrative" is useful for structuring arguments or research findings. Start with a clear thesis, develop the narrative with supporting evidence, and conclude by reinforcing your main points. This approach helps to engage readers and clarify complex information.

What are some alternatives to "present a narrative" in a business context?

In a business context, you can use phrases like "offer an account", "provide a description", or "lay out the facts" to describe how you'll communicate data or progress to stakeholders.

When is it appropriate to use "present a narrative" instead of simply "tell a story"?

"Present a narrative" is more formal and suitable for professional or academic settings where a structured and detailed account is required. "Tell a story", on the other hand, is more casual and often used in informal contexts or when emphasizing entertainment.

How does "present a narrative" differ from "develop a storyline"?

"Present a narrative" refers to the act of conveying an existing story or account, while "develop a storyline" implies the creation or construction of the plot and progression of a story. The first focuses on presentation; the second on creation.