a common theme in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common theme in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing recurring ideas or motifs in various contexts, such as literature, art, or social issues. Example: "Friendship and loyalty are a common theme in many classic novels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Automation is a common theme in many new services.

The New York Times

Tolerance is a common theme in many of his books.

The New York Times

A common theme in our culture these days is revenge.

The New York Times - Science

This is a common theme in Heaney's work.

The New Yorker

Loss is a common theme in DiCamillo's work.

The New York Times - Books

Wii Sports seems to be a common theme in injuries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That has been a common theme in the reaction among America's Muslims.

The New Yorker

This suspicion of pedestrians is a common theme in writing about Los Angeles.

The New York Times

Toilets and human waste are a common theme in their songs.

The Guardian - Music

Fearlessness, unsurprisingly, is a common theme in The New Yorker's writing about Colorado.

The New Yorker

She found that the home's condition was a common theme in many cases.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common theme in", ensure that the theme you are referring to is genuinely prevalent and consistently present across the examples you are citing. Avoid overstating the commonality if the theme is only subtly present.

Common error

Avoid using "a common theme in" when referring to a theme that only appears in a limited number of instances or is only loosely connected. Make sure the theme is demonstrably and significantly present to avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common theme in" functions as a prepositional phrase that identifies a recurring idea, subject, or element within a particular context. It typically modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is characterized by the presence of this recurring theme. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common theme in" is a versatile phrase used to identify recurring elements across various contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, showcasing its prevalence across news, scientific literature, and general discussions. While adaptable, writers should ensure the identified theme is genuinely and consistently present to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include phrases like "a recurring motif in" or "a prevalent idea in", each offering subtle nuances to express the concept of a shared or unifying element. Ensure the themes are genuine and not misrepresented to maintain precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring motif in

Replaces "theme" with "motif", emphasizing a recurring element or pattern.

a prevalent idea in

Focuses on the idea being widespread, rather than a general theme.

a frequent subject in

Substitutes "theme" with "subject", highlighting the topic being discussed often.

a central idea in

Highlights that the concept is one of the most important and fundamental.

a shared characteristic in

Emphasizes that multiple things have similar attributes.

a uniting element in

Focuses on the aspect that brings different components together.

a connecting thread in

Highlights the linkage between different parts or aspects.

a dominant feature in

Emphasizes prominence or strong presence rather than shared occurrence.

a consistent element in

Highlights the continuous and unchanging nature of the element.

a repeating pattern in

Replaces the idea of a theme with a pattern that is observed to occur multiple times.

FAQs

How can I use "a common theme in" in a sentence?

You can use "a common theme in" to introduce a recurring element or idea across multiple instances. For example, "Loss is "a common theme in" DiCamillo's work."

What phrases are similar to "a common theme in"?

Similar phrases include "a recurring motif in", "a prevalent idea in", and "a frequent subject in", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "a common theme in" in formal writing?

Yes, "a common theme in" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "a common theme in" and "a central theme in"?

"A common theme in" indicates a theme that appears frequently, while "a central theme in" suggests a theme that is fundamentally important. The former is about prevalence, the latter about importance.