follow a storyline

Meaning

This phrase means to understand the plot or sequence of events in a book, movie, TV show, or video game. It is used when discussing whether a narrative is easy or difficult to keep track of. It has a neutral tone and is essential for talking about entertainment media.

Examples

• The movie jumped back and forth in time so much that it was hard to follow the storyline.

  The movie jumped back and forth in time so much that it was hard to follow the storyline.

• I love video games where you can make choices that actively change how you follow the storyline.

  I love video games where you can make choices that actively change how you follow the storyline.

• If you miss the first episode of the series, you won't be able to follow the storyline.

  If you miss the first episode of the series, you won't be able to follow the storyline.

• The novel has so many characters that it's challenging to follow the storyline.

  The novel has so many characters that it's challenging to follow the storyline.

• Kids might find it difficult to follow the storyline of this complex animated film.

  Kids might find it difficult to follow the storyline of this complex animated film.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I couldn't follow the history of the movie.

  ✓ I couldn't follow the storyline of the movie.

  'History' refers to past real-world events, whereas 'storyline' refers to the plot of a fictional work.

• ✗ The script was confusing, so I didn't follow the line of story.

  ✓ The script was confusing, so I didn't follow the storyline.

  'Line of story' is a direct translation from other languages; 'storyline' is the natural compound noun in English.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The show has so many parallel dimensions that it is hard to ___.

  💡 Keep track of the plot and what is happening.

  Show answer

  follow a storyline

• A good narrator helps the audience ___ without getting confused by minor details.

  💡 Understand the plot of a show or book.

  Show answer

  follow a storyline