running story
C1Formal / Journalistic / Media
Definition
Meaning
A story that is published or broadcast in instalments over a period of time.
A narrative or theme that develops continuously within a series of episodes, installments, or across multiple publications or media segments.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a media/journalism term. Can also be used metaphorically in business or politics to describe an ongoing narrative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in usage and understanding; no significant variation.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies continuity, development, and a deliberate serialisation.
Frequency
Medium frequency in media/journalism contexts; low frequency in everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [publication] has a running story on [topic].To follow/cover/develop a running story.A running story that began [time reference].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The running story of the century.”
- “It's become a running story in the press.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May refer to a long-term narrative about a company's performance.
Academic
Very rare. Possibly in media studies.
Everyday
Low. Primarily used by consumers discussing media.
Technical
Core term in journalism and broadcasting.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The paper is running the story over three editions.
American English
- The network will be running the story all week.
adjective
British English
- It's a brilliant running story in the weekend supplements.
American English
- Their running story on the election is gaining traction.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I read a running story about climate change in my magazine.
- The journalist has been following the running story of the political scandal for months.
- The editor decided to make the corruption allegations a running story, with new instalments published each Sunday to maximise impact.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a news reporter literally RUNNING to keep up with a STORY that keeps evolving and doesn't finish.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTINUITY IS MOVEMENT (a story that runs).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'бегущая история'. Use 'продолжающийся репортаж/сюжет' or 'сериальный материал'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'running story' to mean a story you are telling while jogging.
- Confusing with 'run-on story' or 'runaway story'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'running story' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. A 'running story' often implies journalistic reporting over time, while a 'serial' can be any fiction or non-fiction story told in parts.
It's less common but possible, especially for a news or documentary series. For drama series, 'serial' or 'series' is more natural.
'Running story' focuses on the narrative structure (a story told in parts). 'Continuous coverage' focuses on the act of reporting without a break, often on live TV.
No, it is an open compound noun: 'running story'.