a key theme of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key theme of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce an important or central idea within a discussion, analysis, or narrative. Example: "In her novel, a key theme of love and sacrifice resonates throughout the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Collaboration was a key theme of the discussion.

The Guardian

In fact it was a key theme of his trial.

The Guardian - Sport

The potential impact on cities of terrorism has understandably become a key theme of recent thrillers.

The Guardian - Books

Healthcare duly provided a key theme of the New Hampshire event.

The Guardian

In the asylum, a key theme of his delusions was that he was somebody else.

The New Yorker

A key theme of Webster's play is the addictive appeal of performance.

The Guardian

Satire is a key theme of your life, as a professor of 18th-century English literature.

The New York Times - Magazine

Loss is a key theme of Drew's novel; betrayal is another.

The New York Times - Books

That said, devolution is emerging as a key theme of efforts to revamp state government.

The New York Times

A key theme of the forum was the emerging consensus on the need for environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development.

The Guardian - Business

It's a key theme of Sherry Turkle's book, Alone Together, which also notes the immaturity of our relationship with technology.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse; while useful, relying too heavily on this phrase can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to express the same idea.

Common error

A common mistake is to identify a relatively minor element as "a key theme of". Before using this phrase, ensure the theme is pervasive and significantly influences the work or discussion. Otherwise, opt for more specific and less emphatic language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key theme of" functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify and introduce a central or significant idea within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable. It sets the stage for further discussion or analysis of the theme.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key theme of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to introduce significant ideas. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and usable in various writing contexts. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the identified theme is indeed central and well-supported. Consider alternatives like "a central tenet of" or "a major focus of depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of overuse and always ensure the theme is appropriately identified and justified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central tenet of

Emphasizes that the theme is a core principle or belief.

a major focus of

Highlights the theme as a primary point of attention or concentration.

a primary aspect of

Indicates the theme is a significant element or feature.

a recurring motif in

Suggests the theme appears repeatedly throughout the work.

a dominant idea in

Highlights the theme as a prevailing and influential concept.

an underlying principle of

Indicates the theme forms a foundational basis or assumption.

a crucial element of

Emphasizes that the theme is an essential component.

a significant subject in

Highlights the theme as a notable topic or area of discussion.

a notable characteristic of

Highlights the theme as a distinctive feature or quality.

a central concern in

Highlights the theme as something of utmost importance and interest.

FAQs

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

Use "a key theme of" to introduce an important or recurring idea in a text, discussion, or event. For example, "Justice is "a key theme of" the novel."

What are some alternatives to "a key theme of"?

Alternatives include "a central tenet of", "a major focus of", or "a recurring motif in depending on the context."

How do I determine if something is truly "a key theme of" a work?

A key theme should be pervasive and significantly influence the work. It should be evident throughout and supported by multiple examples and references within the text.

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

Yes, "a key theme of" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to introduce a central idea in academic, business, or journalistic contexts.