skillful plot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skillful plot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrative or storyline that is cleverly constructed or well-crafted, often in the context of literature, film, or storytelling. Example: "The novel captivated readers with its skillful plot, weaving together multiple storylines that kept everyone guessing until the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Historical information and materials from French Canadian legend are fused into a skillful plot dealing with the British conquest of Quebec in the 18th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Despite Butler's skillful plotting and absorbing characters, "A Small Hotel" is ultimately a novel of ideas, an interrogation of the limitations and uses of language.

The New York Times - Books

Boucher never hesitated to put novels by the likes of Margaret Millar, Charlotte Armstrong, Dorothy Salisbury Davis, Dorothy B. Hughes, and Celia Fremlin all included in this anthology on his best-of-the-year lists, praising their skillful plots, exemplary characterization, and incisive portraits of human behavior.

Huffington Post

Poker rewards skillful play better than any other card game.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To still others, she is a skillful manipulator who helped foment a plot against the Socialist Party.

The New York Times

The skillful performers make the ensuing rapid-fire plot machinations credible, but only barely: D'Aquila is a writer of such economy that he fits the makings of an entire cable TV season into an hour and change, and the developments feel hurried.

Los Angeles Times

And those qualities that good mystery or thriller writing calls for are not to be despised, since they include economy, skillful sustention of suspense, and very artful plotting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The game moves fast and has skillful players.

The New York Times

CNN remarked that "the story weaves through differing points of view in a skillful mix of observation, narration and well-crafted dialogue that illuminates both character and plot with fascinating style", and David Orr of The New York Times found that "All of his hundreds of characters have grace notes of history and personality that advance a plot line.

Wikipedia

Her earlier, highly acclaimed children's novels are grounded in historical reality, but soar with free-ranging flights of dazzling imagination and plots that would seem slightly deranged if their execution weren't so skillful and engaging.

The New York Times

The skillfulness response scale in the survey ranged from "1 = not at all skillful" to "4 = very skillful".

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a story or narrative, use "skillful plot" to highlight the clever and artful way the events are structured and unfolded.

Common error

Avoid using "skillful plot" to describe events that are merely coincidental or random; reserve it for scenarios where intentional design and clever planning are evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skillful plot" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "skillful" modifies the noun "plot". It describes a quality or characteristic of the plot. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skillful plot" is a phrase used to describe a narrative that is well-crafted, clever, and engaging. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing. It is commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and books, suggesting a neutral register. Alternative phrases like "deft storyline" or "ingenious narrative" can be used to add variety or emphasize specific aspects of the plot's construction. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects intentional design rather than mere coincidence. The phrase is versatile, fitting into both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deft storyline

Replaces "skillful" with "deft" and "plot" with "storyline", changing both words while maintaining the core concept.

ingenious narrative

Substitutes "skillful" with "ingenious" and "plot" with "narrative", emphasizing cleverness and the art of storytelling.

clever scheme

Replaces "plot" with "scheme", suggesting a plan that is smart and resourceful.

well-devised plan

Uses a more explicit construction with "well-devised" and "plan", focusing on the careful development of the plot.

masterful design

Substitutes "plot" with "design", emphasizing the structural quality and overall excellence of the narrative.

artful contrivance

Emphasizes the artistic and somewhat artificial nature of the plot's construction.

adroit fabrication

Highlights the clever and skillful creation of the plot.

polished structure

Focuses on the refined and well-organized nature of the plot.

accomplished storyline

Emphasizes the high level of achievement in creating the storyline.

intricate web

Replaces the more neutral term plot with a more evocative and potentially negative idea of a web of stories.

FAQs

How can I use "skillful plot" in a sentence?

You might say, "The movie's "skillful plot" kept me guessing until the very end" or "The author is known for creating novels with a "skillful plot"".

What are some alternatives to "skillful plot"?

Alternatives include "deft storyline", "ingenious narrative", or "clever scheme". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "skillful plot" formal or informal?

The phrase "skillful plot" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal writing might benefit from a more sophisticated synonym such as "masterful design".

What qualities make a plot "skillful"?

A "skillful plot" typically involves well-developed characters, intricate storylines, unexpected twists, and a satisfying resolution. These elements are all executed with precision and creativity.