What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retelling
Example
Can you retell the story of Cinderella in your own words? [retell: verb]
Example
The teacher asked for a retelling of the events leading up to the American Revolution. [retelling: noun]
narration
Example
The book is written in first-person narration, giving the reader a personal perspective on the story. [narration: noun]
Example
The author spent months working on the narration of the novel, perfecting the pacing and tone. [narration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Narration is more commonly used than retelling in everyday language, especially in the context of literature or media. Retelling is more commonly used in educational settings, such as summarizing a story for a class assignment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retelling and narration?
Narration is often associated with a more formal or structured tone, while retelling can be more informal and conversational.
