What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
narrative
Example
The book's narrative was engaging and kept me hooked until the end. [narrative: noun]
Example
She narrated the story of her travels through Europe. [narrated: verb]
story
Example
The story of Cinderella is a classic fairy tale. [story: noun]
Example
He told a funny story about his childhood. [story: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Story is more commonly used than narrative in everyday language. Story is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while narrative is more formal and often used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between narrative and story?
Narrative is typically associated with a more formal and serious tone, while story is more casual and lighthearted, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.