weak narrative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak narrative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a story or account that lacks strength, clarity, or engagement, often in literary or analytical contexts. Example: "The film's weak narrative left the audience confused and unsatisfied with the plot's resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the case of Bastrop the weak narrative is that the fires were caused (in part) by weather conditions which were caused (in part) by climate change which was caused (in part) by the culture and behavior of Bastrop residents.

The New York Times

That the prime minister and treasurer are under pressure to reverse sound policy to make super fairer based on a weak narrative about selected poor election results would be laughable if it wasn't so serious.

The Guardian - Opinion

The chief executive of the leading seniors' organisation, Ian Yates, said the calls to reverse or modify the policy were "based on a weak narrative about selected poor election results and fewer well-heeled supporters manning polling booths".

The Guardian

But it's never clear why his character, who repeatedly finds himself in command of both Sunday's and Brashear's destinies, would be so bent on thwarting them, other than that, by the movie's weak narrative logic, it's his job.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

No doubt these lesser stories are meant to illustrate the notion that weak narratives, like strong ones, represent the human rage for closure, our desire to force the messy ingredients of life into some sort of order.

The New York Times - Books

For me, the weakest narrative strand is the one exploring the martyrdom of Saint Perpetua in the third-century Roman Empire.

Independent

But what I didn't share then is how much it formed a new weaker narrative in my mind.

Huffington Post

The eventual pay-offs are weak; the narrative components are as mean as they are, in translatable terms, meaningless.

Independent

IT is weak on narrative, has a hackneyed title, refers haughtily to the author in the third person, and lacks the eloquence for which the author's father is famous.

The New York Times

What became obvious among the bomb blasts today is how weak our narratives of terrorism are.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is weaker at narrative tricks that can be taught, like putting distance between himself and his characters.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weak narrative", be specific about why the narrative is weak. Instead of just stating it, provide evidence or examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a narrative as "weak" without explaining its shortcomings. Instead, delve into the specific elements that contribute to its weakness, such as plot holes, character inconsistencies, or lack of thematic depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak narrative" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It's used to characterize a story or account that lacks strength, clarity, or persuasiveness. Ludwig AI shows its use in diverse contexts, usually from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weak narrative" is a phrase used to describe a story or account that lacks strength or persuasiveness. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While relatively infrequent, its effectiveness lies in its descriptive capability. When employing this phrase, be sure to substantiate the claim by articulating why the narrative is considered "weak". Alternatives such as "frail narrative", "tenuous narrative", and "flimsy narrative" offer similar nuances, allowing for greater precision in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frail narrative

Replaces "weak" with "frail", suggesting a more delicate or easily damaged narrative.

tenuous narrative

Uses "tenuous" instead of "weak", implying the narrative is thin or not well-supported.

feeble narrative

Substitutes "weak" with "feeble", indicating a narrative lacking vigor or effectiveness.

flimsy narrative

Replaces "weak" with "flimsy", emphasizing the narrative's lack of substance or credibility.

vulnerable narrative

Changes "weak" to "vulnerable", highlighting the narrative's susceptibility to criticism or attack.

poor narrative

Uses "poor" instead of "weak", simply indicating the narrative is of low quality.

inadequate narrative

Substitutes "weak" with "inadequate", suggesting the narrative doesn't meet the required standards or expectations.

unconvincing narrative

Replaces "weak" with "unconvincing", focusing on the narrative's failure to persuade or create belief.

implausible narrative

Changes "weak" to "implausible", highlighting the narrative's lack of believability.

underdeveloped narrative

Substitutes "weak" with "underdeveloped", implying the narrative lacks detail and depth.

FAQs

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

You can use "weak narrative" to describe a story or account that lacks strength, clarity, or persuasiveness. For example, "The film suffered from a "weak narrative", making it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters."

What are some synonyms for "weak narrative"?

Some synonyms for "weak narrative" include "flimsy narrative", "tenuous narrative", or "feeble narrative". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "weak narrative" or "poorly written story"?

Both "weak narrative" and "poorly written story" are acceptable, but "weak narrative" is more specific to the structure and storytelling aspects, while "poorly written story" is a more general criticism about writing quality.

What makes a narrative "weak"?

A narrative can be considered "weak" if it has plot holes, inconsistent character development, lacks thematic depth, or fails to engage the audience. It can also be considered weak if it /s/lacks+credibility lacks credibility or /s/is+unpersuasive is unpersuasive.