weave a tale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weave a tale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of telling a story, often in a creative or imaginative way. Example: "The author skillfully weaves a tale of adventure and mystery that captivates readers from the first page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He was also a champion storyteller and we loved listening to him weave a tale.

The Guardian - Books

"These are slender threads from which to weave a tale of destiny," Ms. Smith writes.

The New York Times - Books

Eurosceptics in Britain have been quick to weave a tale of Irish sovereignty surrendered to Brussels bureaucrats.

The Guardian - Opinion

Drawing on newly declassified documents, the authors weave a tale of ideological espionage that focusses on the Zhivago-like figure at its heart.

The New Yorker

Leave it to Bill Clinton to steal the show - and somehow weave a tale of a steak and a prostitute into a news conference.

The New York Times

Armstead tries hard to keep the many loose ends of the story together, attempting to fill the gaps in Brown's life and weave a tale around them, but sometimes there are just too many uncertainties.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The ragtag troupe that weaves a tale out of everyday materials is an old theatrical reliable for a reason.

The New York Times

In this novel of wonder, Neil Gaiman follows in the footsteps of long-ago storytellers, weaving a tale of unforgettable ­enchantment.

The New York Times - Books

With a novelist's sense of pace and drama, Mr. Judson put arcane scientific information within the reach of the common reader while weaving a tale rich in incident, conflict and character.

The New York Times - Science

Lovesong For Ellen director So Yong Kim's road trip drama stars Jena Malone and Rosanna Arquette, as Kim weaves a tale of unhappy marriage, friendship, separation and a potentially explosive reunion just before a wedding.

The Guardian - Film

Itself a form of storytelling, the dollar generates amusing characters and anecdotes, and Goodwin deftly weaves a tale of unbroken faith from the lives of men who often broke theirs.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weave a tale" when you want to emphasize the artistry and skill involved in crafting a story, suggesting a carefully constructed and engaging narrative.

Common error

While "weave a tale" is acceptable, it might sound too whimsical or informal in academic or business writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "present an account" or "develop a narrative" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weave a tale" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object, where "weave" is the verb and "a tale" is the object. It describes the action of creating or telling a story, often with an element of artistry or imagination, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weave a tale" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that means to create or tell a story in an artful and engaging manner. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While its register leans towards neutral to slightly informal, its primary use is to describe the creation and narration of stories in news, media, and literary contexts. The phrase is suitable for emphasizing the skill and creativity involved in storytelling, but writers should be mindful of its potential informality in academic or business settings. Alternative phrases include "tell a story", "spin a yarn", and "craft a narrative". The phrase enjoys a high source quality score due to its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tell a story

A more general and straightforward way of expressing the act of narration.

craft a narrative

Highlights the skill and artistry involved in creating a story.

construct a story

Implies a more deliberate and structured approach to storytelling.

spin a yarn

Emphasizes a more informal or folksy style of storytelling.

narrate an account

More formal and often used for factual or historical storytelling.

develop a plot

Focuses on the unfolding and progression of events in a story.

fabricate a story

Suggests that the story is made up or invented, potentially with a negative connotation.

relate an incident

Focuses on recounting a specific event or occurrence.

compose a history

Refers to the creation of a historical narrative.

draft a chronicle

Suggests a detailed and sequential record of events.

FAQs

What does "weave a tale" mean?

The phrase "weave a tale" means to create or tell a story, often one that is elaborate or imaginative. It suggests a skillful and artful way of narrating events or ideas.

How can I use "weave a tale" in a sentence?

You can use "weave a tale" when describing someone telling a story in an engaging and creative way. For example: "The author skillfully "weaves a tale" of mystery and adventure."

What are some alternatives to "weave a tale"?

You can use alternatives like "tell a story", "spin a yarn", or "craft a narrative" depending on the context and desired tone.

Is "weave a tale" formal or informal?

"Weave a tale" is generally considered to be somewhat informal and literary. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional writing.