the plot follows

USAGE SUMMARY

"the plot follows" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate the course of the plot in a story or movie. For example, "The plot follows two unlikely heroes as they embark on a quest to save their kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The plot follows the two men as their paths cross in increasingly violent circumstances.

The New Yorker

The plot follows the teen-age narrator's relationship with a new girl, Frédérique.

The New Yorker

The plot follows a woman getting over her marriage after her husband cheats on her.

The Guardian - Film

But once Danny caves in to Evan's threats, the plot follows a familiar pattern.

The New York Times

The plot follows a union for veterans of the Afghan War in an industrial city and interweaves various threads.

Stanford University

The plot follows detective Hercule Poirot and his efforts to solve a murder case aboard the famous train.

The Guardian - Film

The plot follows the rom-com formula to a T, and that's a large part of why it works.

The Washington Post

You'll recall that the plot follows a struggling writer trying to get a big break into New York theatre.

The Guardian

The plot follows shady politico Bunnylord who travels back in time to change the history of his gang-strewn city.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The plot follows a drug-addicted woman named Diane, played by Hood, as she seeks help escaping from her traumatic past.

Vice

The flow of the plot follows the traditional story, but the ending is changed once again.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally replacing "the plot follows" with alternatives like "the story revolves around" to enhance readability and engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "the plot follows" when you intend to discuss character development or thematic elements that are not strictly part of the plot's chronological progression. Instead, consider phrases like "the story explores" or "the narrative delves into".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the plot follows" functions as a declarative statement that introduces a summary or description of the events in a story. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It sets the stage for understanding the narrative's trajectory.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

22%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the plot follows" serves as a standard and versatile phrase used to introduce the storyline of a narrative. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and readily applicable in diverse writing contexts. It is used mostly in news, wiki and academic context. The phrase is generally accepted and understandable. While highly common, varying your phrasing can enhance writing engagement, and it's crucial to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended scope. To avoid common pitfalls, it is best to avoid using it when you intend to discuss character development or thematic elements that are not strictly part of the plot's chronological progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the story revolves around

Focuses on the central theme or character, rather than a linear progression.

the narrative centers on

Highlights the core subject or conflict of the story.

the tale unfolds with

Emphasizes the gradual revelation of events and details.

the action progresses through

Stresses the sequence of actions and events in the plot.

the events transpire around

Suggests a sense of occurrence and happening, often unexpectedly.

the drama unfolds as

Specifically refers to a dramatic presentation of events.

the storyline details

Indicates a comprehensive account of the events.

the account chronicles

Implies a record of events in chronological order.

the sequence of events depicts

Focuses on the order in which happenings are portrayed.

the thread of the story traces

Uses 'thread' metaphorically to highlight the connections between events.

FAQs

How can I use "the plot follows" in a sentence?

You can use "the plot follows" to describe the sequence of events in a story. For example, "The plot follows a detective's quest to solve a mysterious crime".

What are some alternatives to using "the plot follows"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the story revolves around", "the narrative centers on", or "the tale unfolds with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the plot follows"?

While grammatically correct, "the plot follows" might not be the best choice if you're focusing on aspects other than the sequence of events, such as character development or thematic exploration. Consider alternatives in such cases.

What does "the plot follows" emphasize in a narrative?

"The plot follows" specifically emphasizes the chronological sequence of events and actions that drive the story forward. It is most suitable when summarizing the main storyline.