sustained narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustained narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a story or account that is continuous and maintains a consistent theme or tone over time. Example: "The author skillfully weaves a sustained narrative that captivates the reader from beginning to end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He sustained narrative like Maugham or Hemingway.

The Guardian

Writer-director Paul King has more flair for comic set-pieces than he does for sustained narrative.

Independent

Hawthorne knew, as Wineapple says, that "his strengths as a writer did not lie in consistently sustained narrative".

The New York Times - Books

From a dramatic perspective, though, the work is less a sustained narrative than a sequence of scenes vividly limned through beguiling melodies and brilliant orchestration.

The New York Times

Compared with this superbly sustained narrative drollery, Douglas's much-vaunted wit — vouched-for rather than experienced — rarely sparkles in the way that his reputation claims and the book demands.

The New York Times - Books

Lacking, as they do, much of what we expect from a story – a setting, sustained narrative, characters with names – it's tempting to doubt whether "story" is even the right word for them.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Such early writers as Plato, Cicero, Apuleius, and Augustine made use of allegory, but it became especially popular in sustained narratives in the Middle Ages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But hip-hop phrases are often fragmentary, so it remains to be seen how hip-hop can be used in sustained narratives.

The New York Times - Arts

If the best television shows today are like novels, with sustained narratives stretched out over seasons, then it would stand to reason that Web series are like short stories in glowing rectangles, drama and comedy distilled.

The New Yorker

By Rachel Syme September 9, 2013 If the best television shows today are like novels, with sustained narratives stretched out over seasons, then it would stand to reason that Web series are like short stories in glowing rectangles, drama and comedy distilled.

The New Yorker

But things with the made-over grandmother feel wrong faster than you can wave a wand — a bit too quickly, actually, in terms of sustaining narrative suspense.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing a piece of writing, consider whether the author is able to create a "sustained narrative" that maintains reader engagement from beginning to end. Evaluate the techniques they use to achieve this effect.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on isolated scenes or vignettes without a clear through-line. A lack of cohesive elements can prevent the development of a "sustained narrative", leaving the audience feeling disconnected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained narrative" functions as a noun phrase, where 'sustained' modifies 'narrative'. Ludwig indicates it's grammatically correct. It describes a narrative that is continuous and maintains a consistent theme or tone over time.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustained narrative" is a grammatically sound and conceptually rich phrase used to describe stories or accounts that maintain coherence and engagement over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds its primary contexts in news, media, academic discussions and encyclopedic entries. When aiming for clarity and coherence in your writing, ensure you develop a "sustained narrative" that captivates and maintains the reader's interest from beginning to end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuous narrative

Emphasizes the unbroken nature of the story.

prolonged narrative

Highlights the extended duration of the story.

extended narrative

Focuses on the length and scope of the story.

lengthy narrative

Similar to prolonged, stressing the duration.

uninterrupted narrative

Like continuous but emphasizes the absence of breaks.

coherent narrative

Focuses on clarity and logical consistency throughout the story.

consistent narrative

Implies uniformity and lack of contradiction in the storytelling.

developed narrative

Stresses the level of detail and elaboration in the story.

detailed narrative

Highlights the rich information included in the story.

complete narrative

Indicates that the story is fully told, with all parts included.

FAQs

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

You can use "sustained narrative" to describe a story that maintains interest and coherence over a significant period or length. For example: "The film failed to deliver a "sustained narrative", relying instead on disjointed scenes."

What are some alternatives to "sustained narrative"?

Alternatives include "continuous narrative", "prolonged narrative", or "developed narrative", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What does it mean if a story lacks a "sustained narrative"?

If a story lacks a "sustained narrative", it may feel disjointed, lack a clear focus, or fail to maintain reader interest throughout. It might rely on individual scenes rather than a cohesive storyline.

How important is a "sustained narrative" in storytelling?

A "sustained narrative" is crucial for creating a compelling and engaging story. It allows for character development, plot progression, and a deeper connection with the audience.