unfolding narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'unfolding narrative' is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase can be employed to describe a story or an account that is becoming more complex or more detailed as it progresses. For example: The author's unfolding narrative kept me captivated until the very last page.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The book's meticulous design is crucial to the slowly unfolding narrative.

The Guardian - Arts

It asks us to choose the slowly unfolding narrative over the instant fix.

The New York Times - Arts

There's nothing like the slowly unfolding narrative of a five-Test icon series.

The Guardian - Sport

The rugby team is a constantly regenerating organism, each component of it concerned with his own unfolding narrative.

The Guardian - Sport

For some, like Macaulay and Trevelyan, history is a steadily unfolding narrative with a pleasing aesthetic shape.

The Guardian

It will "interweave layers of unfolding narrative, telling the past tense story of [a] crime along with the present tense investigation", said the BBC.

Independent

Distance can strip art of its right to be part of the unfolding narrative and consign it to the world of hindsight.

The New York Times

But were we witnessing, through the media coverage of the time, a spontaneously unfolding narrative or a pre-orchestrated piece of theatre?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The diagnosis adds a new and perhaps pivotal chapter to football's still-unfolding narrative surrounding concussions.

The New York Times - Sports

If Duerson indeed had C.T.E., his suicide while apparently in fear of his own cognitive deterioration would add a new and perhaps pivotal chapter to football's still-unfolding narrative surrounding concussions.

The New York Times - Sports

The stuff of therapy is not only a lot stranger than fiction but also contains the ever-unfolding narrative of life, with its pain and pathos, feats and failures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unfolding narrative" to add a sense of dynamism and progression to your writing, particularly when describing events or stories that are still in development. This emphasizes that the full picture is not yet complete and invites the reader to follow along as it emerges.

Common error

Avoid using "unfolding narrative" when describing situations that are already fully known or have concluded. The phrase implies ongoing development, so it's less appropriate for static or historical accounts. Use a term like “established history” or “complete story” instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfolding narrative" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'unfolding' acts as an adjective modifying 'narrative'. It describes a story or account that is in the process of being revealed or developed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a grammatically correct and widely used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unfolding narrative" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to describe stories or situations that are actively developing. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, it conveys a sense of ongoing discovery and change. To enhance your writing, use "unfolding narrative" when highlighting progressive elements, but avoid it in static contexts. Alternatives such as "developing story" or "emerging picture" can offer similar nuance. Remember, using "unfolding narrative" effectively enriches your narrative by emphasizing its dynamic nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Developing story

Focuses on the news aspect and its ongoing development.

Evolving situation

Highlights the changes occurring in a particular set of circumstances.

Emerging picture

Emphasizes the gradual formation of a complete understanding.

Progressing account

Stresses the advancement and detailing of a narrative.

Flowing discourse

Indicates a continuous and natural progression of conversation or writing.

Advancing plot

Highlights the forward movement of events in a story.

Unveiling story

Suggests a gradual revelation of details in a narrative.

Disclosing tale

Implies a story being revealed bit by bit.

Surfacing history

Focuses on the gradual emergence of historical events or facts.

Unrolling events

Describes events as they gradually unfold and become known.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfolding narrative" to describe events, stories, or situations that are still developing, like "The "unfolding narrative" of the election kept everyone on edge".

What phrases are similar to "unfolding narrative"?

Similar phrases include "developing story", "evolving situation", or "emerging picture", each emphasizing the progressive aspect of the situation.

Is it appropriate to use "unfolding narrative" for past events?

While "unfolding narrative" typically describes ongoing events, it can be used for past events if you're emphasizing how the understanding of those events is still evolving or being revealed.

What's the difference between "unfolding narrative" and "established history"?

"Unfolding narrative" implies a story that is still in progress or being revealed, while "established history" refers to a complete and well-understood account of the past.