been an ongoing theme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been an ongoing theme" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subject or idea that has consistently appeared or persisted over a period of time. Example: "The issue of climate change has been an ongoing theme in political discussions for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This has been an ongoing theme, not only in New Jersey, but up the Hudson Valley and on the Long Island and Connecticut coastline.

The New York Times

The struggle by activists to preserve memories of the uprisings across the Arab world in 2011 has been an ongoing theme in the region for the past two years.

The New York Times

Red cards have been an ongoing theme for Real Madrid under José Mourinho — the team has finished three of its last four games with 10 men, and Mourinho is still completing a touchline ban from last season — but coming off a 6-2 victory against Rayo Vallecano over the weekend it will be favored again, even without Marcelo and Pepe to run down Ajax's speedy forwards.

The New York Times

This has been an ongoing theme for years, of course.

TechCrunch

Marketing for social causes, including green ones, has been an ongoing theme at Cannes this year.

Forbes

The issue of the public's understanding of science has been an ongoing theme for debate throughout the coursework.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Personal politics are an ongoing theme.

The Guardian - Film

However, according to his wife, it's an ongoing theme.

Independent

It's an ongoing theme – the optimistic, cock-eyed, wistful vision.

Independent

Protecting Harvey's arm was an ongoing theme for the Mets this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Springsteen's troubled relationship with his father, eventually resolved long into adulthood, is an ongoing theme of Born to Run.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been an ongoing theme", ensure the context clearly establishes the timeframe over which the theme has persisted. For example, specify the years, events, or periods during which the theme has been prevalent.

Common error

Avoid using "been an ongoing theme" to describe a situation that is static or has only occurred once. This phrase implies a recurring pattern or continuous presence over a period of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been an ongoing theme" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying a subject that has consistently appeared or persisted over time. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "been an ongoing theme" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered expression used to emphasize the recurrence or persistence of a subject, idea, or issue. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. Alternatives such as "remained a recurring theme" or "has been a continuous theme" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the timeframe. Avoid using it to describe static situations. The phrase is generally considered appropriate for diverse audiences and purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained a recurring theme

Replaces "ongoing" with "recurring", emphasizing the repetition of the theme.

has been a continuous theme

Substitutes "ongoing" with "continuous", highlighting the uninterrupted nature of the theme.

been a persistent subject

Replaces "theme" with "subject", altering the focus slightly to the topic itself, and "ongoing" with "persistent".

been a recurring motif

Uses "motif" instead of "theme", suitable in literary or artistic contexts.

been a constant refrain

Employs "refrain" to suggest a repeated idea, often used metaphorically.

been a standing issue

Indicates an unresolved or continuously present problem.

been a perennial question

Highlights the long-standing and often revisited nature of a question.

featured as a consistent element

Uses a more descriptive structure, emphasizing the consistent presence of an element.

been a regular feature

Suggests something that appears predictably and repeatedly.

been a familiar pattern

Focuses on the recognizable and repeated sequence or arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "been an ongoing theme" in a sentence?

You can use "been an ongoing theme" to describe recurring subjects or ideas, for instance: "Climate change has "been an ongoing theme" in international discussions for years".

What's a good alternative to "been an ongoing theme"?

Alternatives include phrases like "remained a recurring theme", "been a continuous theme", or "been a persistent subject", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ongoing theme" or "recurring theme"?

Both "ongoing theme" and "recurring theme" are correct and often interchangeable. "Ongoing" emphasizes continuity, while "recurring" highlights repetition. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "been an ongoing theme" be used for negative situations?

Yes, "been an ongoing theme" can describe negative situations, such as "Budget cuts have "been an ongoing theme" in the education sector, leading to reduced resources".