as an overarching theme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an overarching theme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a central idea or concept that is prevalent throughout a discussion, text, or narrative. Example: "In this novel, love and sacrifice emerge as an overarching theme that drives the characters' motivations and decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

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

Yale University

A critique of current accreditation documentation shows that UK-based chemical engineering processes lag Australian and North American institutional reforms for their capacity to promote sustainability as an overarching theme.

Process Safety and Environmental Protection

"By using the topic of traveling as an overarching theme, it gave us an amazing excuse to ask high-profile artists or cultural icons questions that avoid the obligatory 'What do you do?' and 'How did you get started?' and instead ask about different aspects of their lives that we personally find more interesting," says Kominek.

The New York Times

In addition, the program appeared to help the teachers find ways to use evolutionary theory as an overarching theme in their classes.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Catley et al.'s (2005) primary focus was on how elementary and middle grade students could develop the skills needed to deal with evolution and its use as an overarching theme in the biological sciences.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

There's a kind of resolution that I've never made before but that has always fascinated me: identifying one idea, often summarized in just one word, as an overarching theme for the entire year.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Indeed, the motto for ESOF is "Science as Revolution," an overarching theme that aims to encourage debate and exploration of how science and technology transforms our lives, as well as a nod toward Manchester's heritage as a science city.

Science Magazine

"The advantage of the cycle is it works most of the time, and it provides you an overarching theme as to when most of the markets' gains and losses are made," the younger Mr. Hirsch said.

The New York Times

Critics meanwhile have referred to the record as "thematically eccentric" and lacking an "overarching theme".

Wikipedia

Critics have referred to the album as "thematically eccentric" and lacking an "overarching theme" with The Independent claiming it leaps "from religious fundamentalists to modern telecommunications and the old Hollywood star system with disorienting glee".

Wikipedia

The history of the automobile as a vessel of artistic innovation is an overarching theme.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as an overarching theme" to clearly signal the primary concept that ties together various elements of your writing or analysis. This helps readers understand the central focus and how different parts relate to it.

Common error

Avoid using "as an overarching theme" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "the main topic" or "the central idea" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complicated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an overarching theme" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by providing context or describing a particular aspect. It typically introduces the central idea or concept that permeates a given subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an overarching theme" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a dominant concept that unifies different aspects of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts, signaling a formal to neutral register. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be appropriate. Remember that while the phrase is valid, overuse can detract from clarity; aim for concise and precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a central motif

Replaces 'overarching theme' with 'central motif', focusing on the recurring element or idea.

as a unifying concept

Substitutes 'overarching theme' with 'unifying concept', highlighting the way the idea brings different elements together.

as a common thread

Replaces 'overarching theme' with 'common thread', emphasizing the connection between different aspects.

as a key element

Substitutes 'overarching theme' with 'key element', focusing on the essential and fundamental aspect.

as a prevailing idea

Replaces 'overarching theme' with 'prevailing idea', highlighting the widespread and dominant nature of the thought.

as a primary focus

Substitutes 'overarching theme' with 'primary focus', concentrating on the main area of attention.

as a recurring idea

Replaces 'overarching theme' with 'recurring idea', emphasizing the repeated nature of the concept.

as a dominant aspect

Substitutes 'overarching theme' with 'dominant aspect', focusing on the most influential feature.

as the main thrust

Replaces 'overarching theme' with 'main thrust', concentrating on the driving force or direction.

as the central tenet

Replaces 'overarching theme' with 'central tenet', focusing on the core principle or belief.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as an overarching theme" in a sentence?

Use "as an overarching theme" to introduce a central idea that connects different aspects of a topic. For example, "Sustainability "as an overarching theme" in the project, influenced every design choice".

What are some alternatives to "as an overarching theme"?

You can use alternatives like "as a central motif", "as a unifying concept", or "as a common thread" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "overarching theme" formal language?

Yes, "overarching theme" is generally considered formal language. It's suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts, but may sound out of place in casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "as an overarching theme"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a particular theme or concept is central and pervasive throughout a discussion, analysis, or creative work. It is suitable for academic papers, formal reports, and serious discussions.