Novels: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'novels' when referring to long fictional works that usually have complex plots and characters.

• I just finished reading a fascinating novel by Charles Dickens.
• Her latest novel explores themes of love and betrayal.

Use 'books' as a general term for any written or printed work, whether fiction or non-fiction.

• She has a large collection of books on her shelf.
• I'm looking for a book on ancient history.

Use 'fiction' when referring broadly to literature that describes imaginary events and people.

• I prefer fiction over non-fiction because it allows me to escape reality.
• Science fiction is a genre that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts.

Use 'stories' to refer to shorter narratives, which can be either written or spoken. Stories often focus on a single event or series of events.

• He told us an interesting story about his travels.
• This book is a collection of short stories.

Used to describe long written stories, usually fictional, that explore characters and plots in depth.

• She spends her evenings reading romance novels
• 'War and Peace' is one of the most famous novels ever written

Used to describe something that has recently come into existence, fashion, or been created. It is a general term and can refer to anything that is fresh or unfamiliar.

• She bought a new car last week
• Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting

Used when describing something that introduces new ideas or methods and shows creativity, often in the context of technology, business, or design.

• The company is known for its innovative solutions to modern problems
• His approach to teaching is very innovative and keeps students engaged

Used to describe something that is the first of its kind or something that is unique and not a copy or imitation. Often implies creativity and authenticity.

• The painting is an original work by Van Gogh
• His original idea was a game-changer for the project