the narrative revolves around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the narrative revolves around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the central theme or focus of a story, book, or other narrative forms. Example: "In this novel, the narrative revolves around the struggles of a young woman trying to find her identity in a changing world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Most of the narrative revolves around a quest.

The New York Times - Books

Much of the narrative revolves around Bristol's attempts to shame her ex-boyfriend into seeing his son.

The New York Times - Arts

Suffice it to say that the narrative revolves around stolen identities, forbidden love and the weight of the past on present-day relations between Germans and Jews.

The New York Times

The narrative revolves around Rose, whose life takes an unexpected turn when an ex lover appears back in her life; of course, she drops everything for him.

The Guardian - Film

The narrative revolves around a single father who, having been made redundant, is forced to take a holiday at home instead of in Ibiza.

The Guardian

The narrative revolves around a group of four middle-aged New York mothers who, having abandoned careers as bankers, artists and academics, now expend their energies timetabling play-dates and music lessons.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The traditional narrative revolves around pilgrims being thankful to have survived the crossing of the Atlantic and to have found religious freedom in a new land.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Much of the film's narrative revolves around a variety of survivors documenting the blackout, and their rapidly deteriorating situations, on their cell phones and flip cams.

Huffington Post

In contrast, The Quiet American's narrative revolves around a more poignant point along the same arc.

The Guardian - Film

The Healing Houe's narrative revolves around a woman who has an incredibly arduous journey in finding a correct diagnosis for lupus, a disease that leaves her debilitated.

Huffington Post

Carter's rambling, uneven narrative revolves around Sharon Hart, the unlikely boat captain who employs him for four summers, and who has defied serious odds to build a life here.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the narrative revolves around" to clearly indicate the central element or theme of a story or discussion. This provides a strong focal point for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "the narrative revolves around" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive. Alternatives are: "the story centers on" or "the plot focuses on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the narrative revolves around" functions as a framing device, establishing the central element or subject of a story, discussion, or analysis. As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe the core of various narratives, from books to films.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the narrative revolves around" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to indicate the central focus or theme of a story, discussion, or analysis. As Ludwig AI verifies, the phrase is correct and well-suited for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, writers should avoid overusing the phrase to maintain freshness and engagement. Consider alternatives like "the story centers on" or "the plot focuses on" to diversify writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the story centers on

Focuses on the subject of the narrative as being central.

the plot focuses on

Highlights the plot as the main element.

the theme explores

Emphasizes the exploration of a particular theme.

the main subject is

States the primary subject matter of the narrative.

it's fundamentally about

Indicates the fundamental subject.

the core of the narrative is

Highlights the core aspect of the narrative.

at its heart, it concerns

Focuses on the central concern or issue.

the narrative pivots around

Suggests a turning point or central element.

the central point is

Directly states the central point.

the principal focus is on

Emphasizes the primary area of concentration.

FAQs

How can I use "the narrative revolves around" in a sentence?

Use "the narrative revolves around" to specify the central theme or subject matter of a story, discussion, or analysis. For instance, "The narrative revolves around the protagonist's journey to self-discovery".

What are some alternatives to "the narrative revolves around"?

Alternatives include "the story centers on", "the plot focuses on", or "the theme explores". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "the narrative revolves around" or "the story is about"?

"The narrative revolves around" is more formal and analytical, highlighting the central theme or concept. "The story is about" is more straightforward and casual, simply stating the subject matter.

How does using "the narrative revolves around" affect the tone of my writing?

Using "the narrative revolves around" adds a layer of sophistication and analysis, making your writing sound more thoughtful and deliberate compared to simpler phrasing like "the story is about".