craft a coming-of-age story
/krɑːft ə ˈkʌmɪŋ əv eɪdʒ ˈstɔːri/
Meaning
This expression refers to the deliberate, artistic process of writing, directing, or developing a narrative focused on a protagonist's transition from childhood to adulthood. It emphasizes the skill and care involved in capturing the psychological and moral growth of the character. It is commonly used in literary and film criticism.
Examples
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The director managed to craft a coming-of-age story that resonates with audiences of all generations.
The director managed to craft a coming-of-age story that resonates with audiences of all generations.
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It takes immense empathy to craft a coming-of-age story that doesn't rely on tired clichés.
It takes immense empathy to craft a coming-of-age story that doesn't rely on tired clichés.
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Her debut novel attempts to craft a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the 1980s music scene.
Her debut novel attempts to craft a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the 1980s music scene.
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Screenwriters often struggle to craft a coming-of-age story that feels both authentic and dramatic.
Screenwriters often struggle to craft a coming-of-age story that feels both authentic and dramatic.
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To craft a coming-of-age story successfully, you need to capture the precise moment innocence is lost.
To craft a coming-of-age story successfully, you need to capture the precise moment innocence is lost.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He wanted to craft a coming of age book.
✓ He wanted to craft a coming-of-age story.
The term 'coming-of-age' requires hyphens when used as a compound adjective before a noun, and 'story' or 'tale' is the standard collocation.
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✗ The author made a coming-of-age story.
✓ The author crafted a coming-of-age story.
While 'made' is grammatically correct, 'crafted' is the preferred, high-level collocation that emphasizes artistic skill and effort.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The indie studio spent three years trying to ________ that perfectly captured suburban teenage life.
💡 Think about creating a narrative about growing up.
Show answer
craft a coming-of-age story
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If you want to ________, you must focus on the internal transformation of your protagonist.
💡 A phrase meaning to write or develop a narrative about transitioning to adulthood.
Show answer
craft a coming-of-age story