a common theme of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common theme of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing recurring ideas or motifs in literature, art, or other forms of expression. Example: "In many of her novels, a common theme of resilience in the face of adversity emerges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's a common theme of black beauty.

The Guardian - Opinion

A common theme of butoh is rebirth after catastrophe.

The New York Times - Arts

Estrangement was a common theme of Canadian novelists in 2008.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All three pieces share a common theme of being written about, or for, a particular city.

The Guardian - Music

Her story touches on a common theme of powerlessness, lack of confidence and a lack of a sense of belonging.

The Guardian - Opinion

The film also centred on a common theme of Sturges's work: men banding together to face a challenge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, Dave Wilcox, Howie Long and Dan Rooney shared a common theme of thanks to family, friends and teammates who helped them reach the Hall.

The New York Times - Sports

"A common theme of these accidents, injuries and deaths are violations that have been issued by the Buildings Department and not been enforced," he said.

The New York Times

As women entered the workforce in increasing numbers, this kind of sartorial emancipation became a common theme of the magazine's fashion coverage.

The New Yorker

Cataract, cascade, force, fall: the English terms for water tumbling down a sheer drop denote subtle distinctions, but all share a common theme of implicit natural splendour.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The ultrasound findings demonstrate a common theme of irregular fluid collections extending across tissue planes.

Breast Cancer Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common theme of" to clearly identify recurring ideas or elements across different pieces of work, discussions, or events. It helps establish connections and highlight patterns for your audience.

Common error

Avoid labeling every recurring element as "a common theme of". A true theme should be central, significant, and contribute meaningfully to the overall understanding or interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common theme of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a recurring or shared idea, element, or subject across multiple instances. Ludwig examples show its versatile usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common theme of" is a versatile phrase used to highlight recurring elements across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity and avoid misinterpretations, ensure the identified theme is indeed central and significant. Alternatives include "a recurring motif in" or "a prevalent idea in", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a common theme of" to create meaningful connections and enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring motif in

Changes the wording to focus on a recurring element or pattern, maintaining the core meaning.

a prevalent idea in

Shifts the focus to the widespread presence of a specific idea, rather than a general theme.

a shared characteristic of

Highlights a common attribute or feature among different elements, emphasizing the shared aspect.

a unifying element in

Emphasizes the role of a theme in bringing different parts together into a cohesive whole.

a central concept in

Highlights the main idea or notion that is repeatedly present.

a consistent feature of

Focuses on the repeated appearance of a particular attribute or aspect.

a familiar thread running through

Uses a metaphor to suggest a recurring element that connects different aspects.

a dominant subject in

Emphasizes the main subject or topic that is repeatedly addressed.

a repeated element in

Highlights the reiteration of a specific element within a work or context.

a connecting idea between

Focuses on how an idea provides a link between different things.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common theme of" to highlight a recurring element in various contexts. For example: "A common theme of his novels is the struggle against societal norms."

What can I say instead of "a common theme of"?

Alternatives include "a recurring motif in", "a prevalent idea in", or "a shared characteristic of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a common theme of" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and professionally identifies recurring elements or ideas. Ludwig AI examples show that the expression is very common in news and scientific context.

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

"A common theme of" indicates a recurring element, while "a central theme of" emphasizes that the theme is the main or most important one.