a popular theme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a popular theme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subject or idea that is widely favored or frequently discussed in a particular context, such as literature, art, or culture. Example: "The novel explores a popular theme of love and sacrifice that resonates with many readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I know that's a popular theme among some Austrians.

The New York Times

Northeast of Cincinnati is a popular theme amusement park.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The other front-runner, "Avatar," recycled a popular theme about the triumph of good over evil.

The New York Times

Town and country has been a popular theme among designers this season.

The New York Times

The Suffragette movement is also a popular theme, though only for girls.

The Guardian - Tech

The death of someone hiding a terminal illness from a lover is a popular theme.

The Economist

The "judgment of Paris" was and continues to be a popular theme in art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a popular theme in contemporary art but has a particular, even special relevance here.

The New York Times

And complaints about the alleged linkage between immigration and urban sprawl is a popular theme.

The New York Times

N is for nostalgia (see also B and V), which is always a popular theme at Chelsea.

Independent

This week he played up caste, a popular theme in UP, and his lowly "other backward class" status.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance clarity by specifying who finds the theme popular (e.g., "a popular theme among environmental activists").

Common error

Avoid using "a popular theme" without providing specific context. Saying "that's a popular theme" without identifying where it's popular lacks informative value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a popular theme" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies a subject, idea, or concept that is widely recognized or favored, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a popular theme" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a subject, idea, or concept that is widely recognized or favored. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. When employing this phrase, ensure to provide specific context to enhance clarity and informative value. Alternatives include "a common topic" or "a recurring motif", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common topic

Replaces "theme" with "topic", focusing on the subject of discussion rather than the underlying idea.

a recurring motif

Uses "motif" to emphasize a repeated element or idea, often in art or literature.

a prevalent idea

Substitutes "theme" with "idea", highlighting the concept's widespread acceptance.

a widespread concept

Focuses on the broad distribution and understanding of a particular concept.

a favorite subject

Emphasizes the popularity and preference associated with a particular subject matter.

a trending subject

Suggests a current surge in popularity or attention to a particular subject.

a well-known trope

Highlights a familiar and overused theme or device, particularly in creative works.

a dominant narrative

Implies a leading or prevailing storyline or perspective.

a celebrated subject

Uses "celebrated" to emphasize something is widely acclaimed and recognized.

an established convention

Highlights the adherence to accepted practices or norms within a specific context.

FAQs

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

Use "a popular theme" to describe a subject, idea, or concept that is widely recognized or frequently used within a specific context. For example, "Environmental sustainability is "a popular theme" in corporate social responsibility reports".

What are some alternatives to "a popular theme"?

You can use alternatives like "a common topic", "a recurring motif", or "a widespread concept" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a popular theme" or "a common theme"?

Both ""a popular theme"" and "a common theme" are correct, but ""a popular theme"" emphasizes widespread favor or appeal, while "a common theme" simply indicates frequent occurrence or prevalence.

What is the difference between "a popular theme" and "a trend"?

While both suggest something is widespread, ""a popular theme"" implies a recurring or enduring concept, whereas "a trend" typically refers to something currently gaining attention and may be short-lived.