a running theme of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a running theme of" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a consistent concept, idea, or plot line that appears in a text or story. For example, "The novel had a running theme of love and redemption throughout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Closeness, indeed, is a running theme of the movie.

The New Yorker

A running theme of his comic address was his continual disagreements with Congressional Republicans.

The New York Times

A running theme of his recently was attacking institutions such as YouTube as a corporate entity.

The Washington Post

That seemed to be a running theme of these Games so far.

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, this has been a running theme of the 2016 presidential campaign.

The Guardian - Tech

A running theme of Norberg's book is the dependence of such political argument on the media.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

See, after Donkey Kong Country, there came something of a running theme for Rare's releases – they became more like tech demos than games of any true essence.

Vice

There is a running theme here of wounded pride — spelled out most clearly in the songs "Handle Me" and "Crash and Burn Girl" — in which Robyn upbraids someone unworthy of her attentions.

The New Yorker

There is a running theme here of wounded pride spelled out most clearly in the songs "Handle Me" and "Crash and Burn Girl"—in which Robyn upbraids someone unworthy of her attentions.

The New Yorker

A read through my old reports has a distinct running theme of under-achievement and disappointed teachers.

Independent

This anarchic reflex, to devour something that elates us, is a running theme in Penguins of Madagascar – 90 minutes of computer-generated, bounce-off-the-walls exuberance.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a running theme of" to clearly signal a consistent idea or element, helping your audience grasp the central points of your subject.

Common error

Avoid labeling fleeting motifs as "a running theme of". Ensure the element genuinely permeates the work, appearing frequently and significantly, rather than just being a passing detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a running theme of" functions as a modifier describing a recurring or consistent element within a larger context, such as a book, movie, discussion, or event. Ludwig shows that this phrase indicates something that appears repeatedly and significantly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a running theme of" is a phrase used to describe a recurring idea or element within a larger context. According to Ludwig, it functions as a modifier, helping to highlight consistent elements. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse settings, from academic papers to news reports. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it's important to ensure the identified theme is genuinely recurrent and significant. By avoiding overgeneralization and focusing on key elements, you can effectively use "a running theme of" to provide coherence and clarity to your writing. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring motif in

Emphasizes a repeated symbolic element rather than a general topic.

a prevalent idea throughout

Focuses on the widespread nature of the idea.

a common thread connecting

Highlights the unifying aspect of the recurring element.

a consistent element in

Stresses the unchanging nature of the element.

a repeated subject within

Specifically refers to the topic being discussed multiple times.

an ongoing pattern of

Suggests a predictable sequence or arrangement.

a central idea permeating

Highlights the pervasive influence of the idea.

a dominant feature of

Emphasizes the prominence and importance of the feature.

a constant refrain in

Implies a repeated expression or statement.

a familiar trope within

Indicates a conventional or overused theme.

FAQs

How can I use "a running theme of" in a sentence?

You can use "a running theme of" to describe a recurring idea, subject, or element in a text, discussion, or event. For example, "A running theme of the conference was sustainable development".

What are some alternatives to "a running theme of"?

Alternatives to "a running theme of" include "a recurring motif in", "a prevalent idea throughout", or "a common thread connecting", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'the running theme is' instead of 'a running theme of'?

Yes, "the running theme is" is grammatically correct, but it typically introduces the specific theme itself. "A running theme of" is used to indicate that something contains or exhibits that theme.

What's the difference between "a running theme" and "a central theme"?

"A running theme" implies that the theme appears repeatedly throughout, while "a central theme" suggests that the theme is the most important or primary idea, even if it's not necessarily repeated.