a recurring theme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a recurring theme" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a concept, idea, or motif that appears repeatedly in a work of literature, art, or discussion. Example: "In her novel, the author explores a recurring theme of love and loss that resonates with readers throughout the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's been a recurring theme.

Independent

Travel is a recurring theme.

The New Yorker

Movies are a recurring theme.

The New York Times

This was a recurring theme.

The New York Times

It's a recurring theme.

Harvard Business Review

Guilt is a recurring theme for Chris.

The New York Times

Water is certainly a recurring theme.

Independent

Time is a recurring theme.

The Guardian - Sport

Authenticity is a recurring theme.

The New York Times - Arts

That is a recurring theme.

The New York Times - Books

Bravery is a recurring theme.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a recurring theme" to effectively highlight patterns, motifs, or ideas that appear repeatedly within a text, discussion, or situation, emphasizing their significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a recurring theme" too frequently in close proximity; vary your language by using synonyms like "common thread" or "prevalent motif" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a recurring theme" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It identifies a concept or idea that appears repeatedly, emphasizing its significance. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a recurring theme" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a concept or idea that appears repeatedly in various contexts. Ludwig examples show the phrase being used across diverse topics and media, establishing its widespread usage. While synonymous alternatives exist, such as "common thread" or "prevalent motif", "a recurring theme" maintains a neutral register, fitting well in both formal and informal communications. Remember to use the term to highlight significant patterns, and avoid overuse by varying your language with the suggested synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common thread

Focuses on the unifying aspect of the theme rather than just its repetition.

a prevalent motif

Highlights the symbolic nature and widespread occurrence of the theme.

a repeated element

Emphasizes the recurrence of a specific component within a larger context.

a consistent pattern

Stresses the regularity and predictability of the theme's appearance.

a familiar refrain

Suggests the theme is reminiscent of a song's repeating chorus.

a continuous presence

Indicates an ongoing and unbroken existence of the theme.

an often-seen element

Highlights the frequency with which the theme is observed or encountered.

a regular feature

Implies the theme is a standard or expected part of something.

a persistent idea

Focuses on the enduring quality of the idea that constitutes the theme.

a thematic constant

Emphasizes that the theme remains unchanged or stable throughout.

FAQs

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

You can use "a recurring theme" to point out an idea or element that appears repeatedly. For example, "In the film, loss is "a recurring theme"."

What are some alternatives to "a recurring theme"?

Alternatives include "a common thread", "a prevalent motif", or "a repeated element", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a recurring theme" in formal writing?

Yes, "a recurring theme" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a repeated idea or element. The Ludwig AI agrees in its analysis of the use of the term across different sources.

What's the difference between "a recurring theme" and "a recurring topic"?

"A recurring theme" implies a more fundamental, underlying idea or motif, while "a recurring topic" simply means a subject that comes up repeatedly. Themes are more deeply ingrained and symbolic, while topics are subjects of discussion.