a dominant theme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dominant theme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a prevailing or most significant idea or motif in a piece of writing, art, or discussion. Example: "In her novel, the author explores a dominant theme of love and sacrifice that resonates throughout the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Once again, uncertainty became a dominant theme.

The New York Times

Sugar, not surprisingly, is a dominant theme.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a dominant theme throughout contemporary architecture today.

The New York Times

Globalization was a dominant theme, particularly in the British fiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The interplay of music is a dominant theme of the festival.

The New York Times - Arts

This seems to be a dominant theme of other woman-led online-dating efforts.

The New Yorker

To call defense a dominant theme here would be stretching it.

The New York Times

A dominant theme in modern corridos is the anxieties and dangers of crossing the border illegally.

The New Yorker

Many items had a connection to music, a dominant theme in his work.

The New Yorker

Of course, saying no to drugs has not always been a dominant theme here.

The New York Times

South Korea's hidden horror Dutch courage ReprintsThis time, the bureau's projections made unemployment a dominant theme.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a dominant theme", provide specific examples from your text or analysis to illustrate its prevalence and importance. This enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "a dominant theme" without explaining why it is dominant or providing supporting evidence. This can weaken your argument and leave readers unconvinced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dominant theme" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies and emphasizes the most significant and recurring idea or motif within a particular context. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dominant theme" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the central and recurring idea within a given context. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used. Its function is to highlight the most important motif, and its register ranges from neutral to formal, making it suitable for various forms of communication. The phrase appears most commonly in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, as suggested by Ludwig's data. When using this phrase, ensure to provide sufficient context and evidence to support your claim, avoiding overuse without proper explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prevailing motif

Replaces "theme" with "motif" and "dominant" with "prevailing", emphasizing a recurring element.

a central idea

Substitutes "theme" with "idea" and "dominant" with "central", focusing on the core concept.

a recurring subject

Replaces "theme" with "subject" and "dominant" with "recurring", highlighting a repeated topic.

a major focus

Changes "theme" to "focus" and "dominant" to "major", emphasizing the primary point of attention.

a key aspect

Replaces "theme" with "aspect" and "dominant" with "key", stressing a crucial element.

a principal element

Substitutes "theme" with "element" and "dominant" with "principal", highlighting a main component.

a common thread

Replaces "theme" with "thread" and "dominant" with "common", emphasizing a unifying element.

a primary concern

Changes "theme" to "concern" and "dominant" to "primary", emphasizing a main worry.

a central point

Substitutes "theme" with "point" and "dominant" with "central", focusing on the core statement.

a guiding principle

Replaces "theme" with "principle" and "dominant" with "guiding", stressing a fundamental rule.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dominant theme" to introduce a recurring subject or idea in a text, discussion, or artwork. For instance, "A dominant theme in the novel is the struggle between good and evil".

What are some alternatives to "a dominant theme"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a prevailing motif", "a central idea", or "a recurring subject". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a dominant theme" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to identify a significant recurring idea or subject. However, ensure you provide sufficient context and evidence to support your claim.

What's the difference between "a theme" and "a dominant theme"?

"A theme" refers to a general subject or idea, while "a dominant theme" specifies that this particular theme is especially prevalent or important. It emphasizes the significance and frequency of the theme.