a prevalent theme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prevalent theme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a common or widespread idea or motif in a particular context, such as literature, art, or social issues. Example: "In many of her novels, a prevalent theme is the struggle for identity in a changing world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Music seems to be a prevalent theme for the Smithsonian Institution this summer.

The New York Times - Arts

A prevalent theme in "Fantasy River" is reconnecting manufactured products to their sources in nature.

The New York Times

The call for tighter gun control is a prevalent theme (in Europe especially), but another suggestion has also been circulating.

Independent

While it is impossible to sum up the goals of the groups on the streets here, Mr. Kjosen and Ms. Hesjedal reflect a prevalent theme: narrowing the gap between rich and poor, which they see as steadily widening.

The New York Times

A prevalent theme of the work is the way in which science can be perverted by the blind ambition of the human race, thus further exploring the relationship that exists between science and humanity as Shelley's predecessors had done.

Britannica

This is a prevalent theme in the artwork in this show, with several artists depicting or using ripe fruit (Julie Heffernan, Maria Tomasula), flowers in bloom or about to wilt (Yoshihiro Suda) as well as foodstuff of all kinds (Robert Gober, Franco Mondini-Ruiz, Emily Eveleth).Though simple and poetic, the work of these artists often elicits a feeling of melancholy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The sub-$100 smartphone is only going to become a more prevalent theme in the future, and companies like RIM will have to address that if they hope to claw back some of their old leadership.

TechCrunch

Difficulty accepting rejection of ideas, stubbornness, and immobility forge another prevalent theme - a sense of single-minded purpose - akin to egocentrism but imposed obsessively on the venture and the others engaged in its formation and operation.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

True, but usually something melancholy: the most prevalent theme is lamentation for a lost lover.

The New York Times - Arts

Among those, the longing to have spent more time with the baby and to have made more memories with their infant was a significant recurrent theme that was the most prevalent theme of the qualitative questions.

BMC Palliative Care

Marijuana is its prevalent theme.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a prevalent theme", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the theme is prevalent in. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a prevalent theme" as a vague statement. Always provide specific examples or evidence to support your claim about the theme's prevalence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prevalent theme" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a recurring or widespread element within a particular context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prevalent theme" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a recurring or widespread idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure the theme's context is clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "a recurring motif" or "a common thread" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. While versatile, the phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. The data suggests that, although widespread, the phrase can be made more effective with specific contextual support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring motif

Replaces "theme" with "motif", emphasizing a recurring element.

a common thread

Uses "thread" to suggest a unifying element linking different aspects.

a dominant idea

Focuses on the idea's power and influence.

a widespread notion

Emphasizes the breadth of acceptance and dissemination.

a frequent subject

Highlights the topic's repeated appearance.

a central concept

Highlights that the theme is a core element.

a major concern

Implies the theme is a significant issue or problem.

a familiar pattern

Uses "pattern" to describe a recognizable and repeating arrangement.

a typical characteristic

Highlights that the theme is a normal feature.

a general tendency

Indicates a prevailing inclination or trend.

FAQs

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

You can use "a prevalent theme" to describe a recurring idea or motif in various contexts. For example, "A prevalent theme in his novels is the impact of war on families."

What's a more formal way to say "a prevalent theme"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "a dominant motif" or "a recurring concept", which might be more suitable for academic or formal writing.

What can I say instead of "a prevalent theme" to show it's negative?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like /s/a+major+concern, /s/a+dominant+problem, or /s/a+recurring+issue to indicate a negative or problematic theme.

Is "a prevalent theme" the same as "a common theme"?

While similar, "a prevalent theme" suggests a stronger presence or influence than /s/a+common+theme. Prevalent implies widespread and noticeable occurrence.