a recurring element

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a recurring element" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears repeatedly within a particular context, such as a theme in literature or a motif in art. Example: "In the novel, the concept of loss is a recurring element that shapes the characters' development throughout the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The Baroque chaconne used a recurring element, often a ground bass, as a hook for variations.

The New York Times - Arts

A recurring element at the festival is the contextualising of Beckett's imagination alongside that of another literary master.

The Guardian

The West Virginia game had a recurring element to the Red Storm's trouble — a second-half drought at both ends.

The New York Times - Sports

A recurring element in his work is the figure of the businessman, portrayed as a conspiring praetor: "The problem now about working in the US is that you are faced with this duality, with this dilemma.

The Guardian

A recurring element in the stories is the one wrong move a character makes — blowing off college applications, committing adultery — that turns an Edenic life into a postlapsarian hell.

The New York Times - Books

Having seen CBS gradually lose young viewer to competitors like Kids WBB and Cartoon Network, DIC's chairman, Andy Heyward, had a plan to keep young viewers tuned in: he proposed "a threaded morning that had one theme going through the whole block," a recurring element that would hold youngsters' attention from start to finish.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Seed size is closely related to fitness of wild plants, and its modification has been a key recurring element in domestication of seed/grain crops.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Cellist Li-Wei Qin was the poetic soloist in Reflets d'un Temps Disparu, where an ancient Chinese melody is the recurring element in a work of great refinement, with only the extrovert orchestral climax striking a more brash tone, before reasserting the earlier poise.

The Guardian - Music

Another recurring element in 600 mM EtOH-treated cells was a spherical area with less affinity for toluidine blue and a diameter of approximately 20  μm (asterisk in Figure 8d).

Cell Death and Disease

Another recurring element in Lynch's films is his experimentation with sound.

Wikipedia

Out of all the cartoonish editing, the narrating fly designed by the artist's friend Kyung Hee Jwa, stands out as the most striking recurring element.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a recurring element", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being repeated and its significance within the larger framework.

Common error

Avoid using "a recurring element" simply to describe something that appears more than once without contributing meaningfully to the overall understanding or analysis. Ensure the element's recurrence has a purpose or impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a recurring element" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples confirm its use to identify repeated components within a larger context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a recurring element" is a noun phrase used to identify a feature that appears repeatedly within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's common across various domains like News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When using this phrase, ensure that the recurring element’s significance is clearly established to enhance the overall clarity and impact of your writing. Remember to avoid overuse without meaningful contribution to the analysis or understanding of the subject. Alternatives like "a consistent theme" or "a common motif" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common motif

Focuses on the repetitive visual or thematic aspect.

a consistent theme

Highlights the thematic repetition or regularity.

a repeated feature

Emphasizes the action of featuring multiple times.

a prevalent aspect

Focuses on the widespread nature of the element.

a regular occurrence

Highlights the element's periodic or predictable nature.

a familiar pattern

Emphasizes the recognizable and repeated arrangement.

a persistent characteristic

Stresses the enduring and consistent quality of the element.

a typical trait

Implies the element is representative and frequently observed.

a hallmark

Implies the element is a distinguishing feature.

a signature aspect

Suggests the element is unique and identifiable.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a recurring element" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a recurring element", clearly identify the element and its significance within the context you're discussing. For example, "In his novels, the theme of alienation is "a recurring element" that shapes the characters' decisions."

What are some alternatives to saying "a recurring element"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a common motif", "a consistent theme", or "a repeated feature".

Is there a difference between "a recurring element" and "a recurrent element"?

While both "recurring" and "recurrent" mean appearing repeatedly, "recurring" often implies a more cyclical or habitual return, while "recurrent" can suggest a more general reappearance. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but "recurring" might better suit situations with a predictable pattern.

How to identify if something is truly "a recurring element" and not just a coincidence?

To determine if something is truly "a recurring element", analyze its frequency, consistency, and impact on the overall context. A genuine recurring element will appear multiple times, maintain similar characteristics each time, and contribute meaningfully to the overall message or structure.