an overarching theme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overarching theme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a central or dominant idea that encompasses various elements within a work, such as a book, film, or discussion. Example: "The novel explores an overarching theme of redemption, illustrating how characters seek forgiveness and personal growth throughout the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I didn't know it would be an overarching theme.

The Washington Post

Is there an overarching theme of your episode?

The New York Times

If there was an overarching theme to my mother and father's home décor, it was clutter.

The New Yorker

If this series does have an overarching theme then it's parental love, or parental acceptance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In fact, there is an overarching theme to the whole record.

The Guardian - Music

Each year there is an overarching theme to tie the area together.

The Guardian

But to Mr. Birbiglia's creative mind, that's an overarching theme, not a lecture topic.

The New York Times

In the case of rising producer Arca, there's an overarching theme.

The Guardian - Music

If this exhibition has an overarching theme, it is the changing relationship between man and nature.

The New York Times

The interplay of economic and political change remained an overarching theme of his academic work.

The New York Times

As an overarching theme, the project attempts to bridge the gap between sustainability and affordability.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an overarching theme", ensure that all supporting arguments and examples directly relate back to it, reinforcing the central idea.

Common error

Avoid introducing an "an overarching theme" that isn't consistently supported by the content. Ensure that all sections of your work directly contribute to developing and reinforcing this theme, otherwise, it may feel disconnected and confusing to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overarching theme" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As stated by Ludwig, it is used to identify a central or dominant idea that encompasses various elements within a work.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overarching theme" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote a central, unifying idea. Ludwig AI indicates that it effectively highlights the main concept that ties together different aspects of a work or discussion. The phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts, making it suitable for formal and neutral communication. Alternatives include "a central idea" or "a dominant motif". When using this phrase, ensure that your content consistently supports the theme to maintain clarity and coherence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central idea

Focuses on the core concept rather than its encompassing nature.

a dominant motif

Highlights a recurring element that emphasizes a specific idea.

a common thread

Emphasizes the unifying element that connects different parts.

a recurring theme

Stresses the repeated appearance of a particular idea.

a unifying principle

Highlights the core belief or tenet that brings things together.

a general concept

Focuses on a broad idea without necessarily being the main focus.

a prevalent idea

Indicates an idea that is widespread or common.

a major element

Emphasizes the significance of a particular component.

a key aspect

Highlights a crucial element that is essential to consider.

a primary focus

Indicates the main area of attention or emphasis.

FAQs

How do you use "an overarching theme" in a sentence?

You can use "an overarching theme" to describe the main subject or concept that ties together different elements of a work. For example, "Kindness was "an overarching theme" in the author's novels."

What is a similar phrase to "an overarching theme"?

Similar phrases include "a central idea", "a dominant motif", or "a common thread". These phrases can be used to describe the primary focus or unifying element of a work.

How does "an overarching theme" differ from a regular theme?

"An overarching theme" suggests a theme that is more comprehensive and central to the entire work. A regular theme may be a significant element, but not necessarily the dominant or unifying concept.

Is it redundant to say "overall overarching theme"?

Yes, using "overall" with "an overarching theme" can be redundant because "overarching" already implies a comprehensive scope. It's best to use either "overall theme" or "an overarching theme" for clarity.