a prevalent theme in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prevalent theme in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing common ideas or motifs found in literature, art, or other forms of expression. Example: "In many of her novels, a prevalent theme in her storytelling is the struggle for identity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

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

●The loneliness that can come from constantly paying attention to the screens around you, rather than the life around you, is a prevalent theme in Bradbury's work.

The Washington Post

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

Bondage is a prevalent theme in Wonder Woman stories.

Huffington Post

"Ordinary men placed in extraordinary circumstances" is a prevalent theme in The Sword of Shannara.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 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

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

O.J.'s desire to consider himself beyond race is a prevalent theme throughout the documentary, but never more so than in an anecdote provided by Robert Lipsyte, a prominent sports journalist and a former ESPN ombudsman.

HuffPost

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

The New York Times - Arts

Conflict within the community, with local loggers and with the recently established regional conservation area was a prevalent theme.

Environmental Science & Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a prevalent theme in", ensure that the subject you're discussing genuinely appears frequently and significantly within the work or context you're analyzing. Avoid using it for minor or isolated instances.

Common error

Avoid using "a prevalent theme in" when the theme is only present in a limited number of instances. Ensure that the theme is genuinely widespread and significant before characterizing it as prevalent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prevalent theme in" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces and identifies a recurring subject, idea, or motif within a particular context. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

26%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

HuffPost

7%

Forbes

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prevalent theme in" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase for identifying recurring ideas or subjects within various contexts. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans across different fields like News & Media, Science, and Wiki, demonstrating its versatility. While alternatives such as "a recurring motif in" or "a common thread in" exist, the original phrase remains a straightforward and effective choice for highlighting significant patterns or ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring motif in

Changes the wording to use 'motif' which suggests a repeated element, often symbolic, within a work.

a common thread in

Uses 'thread' to emphasize a connecting element that runs through something.

a frequent subject in

Replaces 'theme' with 'subject' indicating a topic that is often discussed or depicted.

a dominant idea in

Substitutes 'theme' with 'idea', highlighting a central thought or concept.

a widespread notion in

Emphasizes the broad acceptance or prevalence of an idea or belief.

a notable aspect of

Shifts focus to a particular feature or element that is worth paying attention to.

a key element in

Focuses on the essential or fundamental nature of the theme.

a central concept of

Highlights the conceptual or theoretical importance of the theme.

a consistent feature of

Emphasizes the regularity or uniformity with which the theme appears.

a familiar pattern in

Indicates that the theme is a recognizable and repeated arrangement or design.

FAQs

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

You can use "a prevalent theme in" to introduce a recurring idea or subject within a particular work, body of work, or field of study. For example: "A prevalent theme in Shakespeare's tragedies is the corrupting influence of power".

What are some alternatives to "a prevalent theme in"?

Alternatives include "a recurring motif in", "a common thread in", or "a frequent subject in", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "the prevalent theme is in"?

While grammatically understandable, "the prevalent theme is in" is less common and might sound awkward. "A prevalent theme in" is generally preferred for introducing the concept.

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

"A prevalent theme in" suggests that the theme appears frequently. "A dominant theme in", on the other hand, implies that the theme is particularly important or influential even if not necessarily the most frequent.