story

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "story" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a tale told in either a written or oral form. Example sentence: I heard a fascinating story about a lost monkey at the park.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's another story".

The New York Times - Books

End of story".

The New York Times

But that is not the whole story.

The New York Times

True story?

The New York Times

Directed and written by Paul Morrison, it is the story of a Jewish door-to-door salesman who falls in love with a good chapel girl, and is told in Welsh, Yiddish and English.

The Guardian - Film

Based on the true story of the wrongful conviction of black boxer Rubin Carter, the film has been criticised for bending the facts, which may have damaged its chances, but its star, Denzel Washington, appears in the best actor category.

The Guardian - Film

Two films received seven nominations: The Insider, the true story of a whistle-blower in the tobacco industry, and The Cider House Rules, an adaptation of the John Irving novel set in a New England orphanage.

The Guardian - Film

Leigh and Minghella were nominated for best screenplay, with Leigh an early favourite for his story about the comically strained relationship between Gilbert and Sullivan.

The Guardian - Film

Not every story has a happy ending.

The Guardian - Sport

The story is well known.

The Economist

Revelations that Michael Jordan had lost hundreds of thousands of dollars gambling barely dented his appeal, since the story reinforced the image of him as a fierce competitor.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting a "story", consider your audience and purpose to tailor the narrative effectively. Compelling stories often incorporate vivid imagery, relatable characters, and a clear structure.

Common error

Avoid using overused phrases in your "story" to maintain originality and engage your readers. Replace them with fresh and inventive expressions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "story" is as a noun, referring to a narrative, account, or sequence of events, whether real or fictional. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from diverse sources. It can also function as a verb, meaning to tell as a story.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Film

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "story" is a versatile noun, meaning a narrative or account of events, as confirmed by Ludwig. It can also refer to a lie or a level of a building. Its usage is very common, particularly in news, film, and books. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that "story" serves to convey information, entertain, or share experiences. While the register is generally neutral, context shapes its specific tone. When writing, avoid clichés to keep your stories fresh and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrative account

Emphasizes the sequential and descriptive nature of the tale.

news report

Specifies a factual account of recent events.

historical record

Highlights the factual and documented aspect of the events.

chronicle

Indicates a detailed and continuous record of events.

chain of events

Focuses on the sequence and interconnectedness of occurrences.

fabrication

Highlights the fictional or untrue character of the events.

tall tale

Indicates an exaggerated or fanciful narrative.

urban legend

Refers to a modern, often sensational, story passed down through popular culture.

soap opera plot

Characterizes a melodramatic and serialized narrative.

level

When story refers to the floor or level of a building.

FAQs

How can I use the word "story" in a sentence?

The word "story" can be used in many contexts. For example, "The book tells the "story" of two roommates" or "That's a long "story"".

What are synonyms for the word "story"?

Synonyms for "story" include "narrative", "tale", "account", and "chronicle", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "story" to refer to a lie?

Yes, "story" can be used informally to mean a lie or fabrication. For example, "You’ve been telling "stories" again, haven’t you?"

In what contexts is the word "story" most commonly used?

The word "story" is frequently used in contexts related to "news reports", "film", and "books" to describe narratives, events, or accounts.