a major theme of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major theme of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the central ideas or motifs present in a piece of literature, art, or any other form of expression. Example: "In the novel, a major theme of love and sacrifice is explored through the characters' relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Goldwater made moral leadership a major theme of his campaign.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Preparation is a major theme of this exercise.

Harvard University

Genetic oscillators are a major theme of interest in the emerging field of synthetic biology.

Biosystems

A major theme of his later works is the struggle of the working class against capitalism.

Britannica

It is a major theme of high school history textbooks and college courses on foreign policy.

The Washington Post

A major theme of the report is concern about the trade deficit.

The New York Times

That has been a major theme of Mr. Moyers's journalism career.

The New York Times - Arts

All the while, the question of experience has become a major theme of the competition.

The New York Times - Sports

A major theme of the special is the meaning of mental illness.

The New York Times - Arts

The viability of liberalism was thereafter a major theme of political philosophy in English-speaking countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Resentment of "elites" is a major theme of conservative talk radio.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a major theme of" to introduce a critical concept that needs to be emphasized throughout your text. This helps maintain focus and coherence.

Common error

While "a major theme of" is useful, overuse can make your writing monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "a central idea of" or "a recurring motif in" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major theme of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing a central concept or recurring idea within a subject. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase correctly identifies overarching topics in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major theme of" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for identifying key, recurring ideas across various forms of communication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and academic discourse. To enhance writing, vary its use with synonyms and maintain consistency in identifying central concepts. The phrase's neutral register ensures its suitability for both formal and informal settings, contributing to clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central idea of

Highlights a key idea, minimizing the importance of the thematic element.

a core element of

Focuses on a fundamental component, which is essential and basic, modifying the thematic element.

a central tenet of

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the theme, shifting the focus to core principles.

a primary focus of

Highlights the main point of attention or concentration, modifying the thematic element to the main point.

a dominant idea in

Stresses the prevalence and influence of a particular concept, moving the focus to the most influential idea.

a key aspect of

Focuses on a specific element that is important within the larger context, reducing the emphasis on overall thematic relevance.

a significant element of

Highlights the importance and impact of an element, but reduces the importance of the thematic side.

a prevailing concept in

Indicates a widespread and accepted idea, shifting from theme to a shared concept.

a recurring motif in

Specifically points to a repeated element or idea, changing the focus from a broad theme to a recurring symbolic element.

a notable feature of

Draws attention to a remarkable or interesting aspect, reducing the thematic relevance focusing on particular attribute.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major theme of" to introduce a recurring idea or concept in a piece of work. For example: "A central idea of the novel is the struggle for identity."

What are some alternatives to saying "a major theme of"?

Alternatives include "a primary focus of", "a key aspect of", or "a recurring motif in". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the major theme is" instead of "a major theme of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different uses. "The major theme is" is used when there's only one main theme, while "a major theme of" acknowledges that there might be multiple themes.

How does "a major theme of" differ from "the main point of"?

"A major theme of" refers to a recurring idea that is woven throughout a work. "The main point of" refers to the central argument or message that the author is trying to convey. While related, they aren't interchangeable.