develop a theme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop a theme" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of creating or elaborating on a central idea or concept in a piece of writing, art, or any other form of expression. Example: "In her essay, she aims to develop a theme of resilience in the face of adversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

We develop a theme, select student speakers, and coordinate, promote and execute a thought-provoking event.

University of California, Berkeley

The group selecting the art didn't want a random body of work, so its initial task was to develop a theme for the collection.

The New York Times

But it may be more educational to visit the corner of Newfield and Stratford Avenues -- the perfect setting if someone wanted to develop a theme park based on the challenges of the great economic divide.

The New York Times

"Basically, Sonny Rollins had mastered this way of improvising using themes and theme fragments — inventing melodies and fragments of melodies, and developing them in a way that was not unlike how Beethoven might develop a theme in one of his symphonies," Coleman explained to me.

The New Yorker

He would often begin a performance by setting a tempo with his baton and having his musicians develop a theme spontaneously and then seize on the musical ideas he wanted to work with, directing the ensemble with a vocabulary of gestures and signals.

The New York Times - Arts

Develop a theme for your presentation.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Developing a theme, last year he starred in a film: The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq.

The Guardian - Books

The essays had beginnings, middles and ends, and all of them developed a theme or a central point.

The New York Times

But he still made a good show of setting out his ideals, mocking his own appearance and developing a theme.

The Guardian - Opinion

Writing a play collectively requires organizational guidelines: an author develops a theme and doles out assignments to the writers.

The New York Times

If you want help developing a theme or building a grid, please get in touch: jeffchen1972 at gmail dot com.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, "develop a theme" by providing sufficient evidence and analysis to support your central argument.

Common error

Avoid abruptly introducing a theme without proper context or failing to maintain its relevance throughout the piece. Ensure that you consistently "develop a theme" from beginning to end.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a theme" functions as a verb phrase, where 'develop' is the verb and 'a theme' is the object. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely usable. It's primarily used to describe the action of creating, expanding, or elaborating on a central idea in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

20%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop a theme" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase, suitable for describing the process of creating or elaborating on a central idea across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It frequently appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic sources, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure consistent application throughout your work to avoid inconsistencies. Alternatives include "create a theme" and "formulate a theme". Maintain theme relevance and provide sufficient supporting evidence to effectively "develop a theme".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a theme

Uses 'create' instead of 'develop', implying a more initial stage of theme establishment.

formulate a theme

Employs 'formulate' suggesting a more structured and deliberate process.

establish a theme

Replaces 'develop' with 'establish', emphasizing the act of setting up a theme.

conceive a theme

Substitutes 'develop' with 'conceive', highlighting the initial idea generation.

evolve a theme

Uses 'evolve' to suggest a gradual development of the theme.

expand on a theme

Focuses on elaborating an existing theme rather than creating one from scratch.

flesh out a theme

Emphasizes adding details and substance to an already existing theme.

explore a theme

Suggests investigating and examining a theme in detail.

cultivate a theme

Implies careful nurturing and growth of a theme over time.

craft a theme

Replaces 'develop' with 'craft', suggesting a more artistic and skilled creation of a theme.

FAQs

How can I effectively "develop a theme" in my writing?

Start by identifying a central idea or concept you want to explore. Then, use supporting evidence, examples, and analysis to elaborate on and reinforce that theme throughout your work. Ensure that all elements contribute to the overall message.

What are some strategies for "developing a theme" in a presentation?

Choose a unifying concept that resonates with your audience and aligns with your message. Use visuals, stories, and examples that consistently reinforce the theme. Structure your presentation to build upon and "develop a theme" progressively.

What can I say instead of "develop a theme"?

You can use alternatives like "create a theme", "formulate a theme", or "establish a theme" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "develop a theme" and "explore a theme"?

"Develop a theme" implies creating and elaborating on a central idea, while "explore a theme" suggests investigating and examining an existing idea in detail. The former focuses on building, while the latter focuses on analyzing.