explain your theme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain your theme" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to clarify or elaborate on the central idea or message of a piece of work, such as an essay, presentation, or artistic project. Example: "In your essay, please explain your theme and how it relates to the overall message of the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's where you explain your theme as simply as possible and, perhaps, outline how you intend to prove it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Write an overview that explains your theme and where and why you chose your images.

The New York Times

If the story is a feature, they should be able to explain their theme.

The New York Times

The task he seems to have given himself was to explain the theme of coöperation — what he meant to say when he stumbled on "you didn't build that".

The New Yorker

See the video below, as well as Geraldine's attempt to explain the theme of the conference this year: Love.

TechCrunch

Combined sales to Disney have more than doubled since 2001; HP built technology for Walt Disney World's newest ride, Mission: Space, and wireless headsets that explain the theme park in five languages.

Forbes

Be available after the show to explain any adult themes your child may not understand fully.

WikiHow

The young contestants have three minutes to explain a scientific theme in front of a live audience.

The Guardian

In 2008, Mr. Smith's team put up a Web site to explain the Big Data theme, and the site has since been greatly expanded.

The New York Times

In particular, MakerSpaces may facilitate student creativity and may help explain the emergent theme of students learning the skill of creativity.

International Journal of STEM Education

These grow tiring, in the end, not least because the debutant author too often rushes in to show how it all works, to explain his themes by connecting the dots for you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "explain your theme", ensure you provide enough context for the audience to understand the core idea or message you're trying to convey. Use clear and concise language to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Don't just state the theme; delve into its nuances, significance, and how it connects to the overall work. A shallow explanation can leave your audience confused or unimpressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain your theme" functions as an imperative request, prompting someone to articulate and clarify the underlying message or central idea of a piece of work. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in academic, news, and creative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explain your theme" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for prompting clarification on the central idea of a work. While versatile, it appears more often in news, wiki, and scientific settings. Alternatives include "clarify your central idea" or "elaborate on your main idea". When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid vague explanations. This expression is considered correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify your central idea

Focuses on making the core concept more understandable.

elaborate on your main idea

Emphasizes providing more details about the core concept.

detail your thematic focus

Highlights the specific area of concentration within the broader subject.

describe your central concept

Focuses on providing a comprehensive account of the core idea.

outline your primary subject

Emphasizes giving a structured overview of the main topic.

present your core argument

Highlights the main point being made or defended.

define your overarching message

Focuses on the key takeaway or moral of the work.

illustrate your thematic concern

Emphasizes providing examples to clarify the theme.

expound on your thematic intent

Focuses on the purpose or motivation behind the theme.

articulate your guiding principle

Highlights the underlying rule or belief that shapes the theme.

FAQs

How can I use "explain your theme" in a sentence?

You can use "explain your theme" when asking someone to clarify the main idea of their work. For example, "In your presentation, please "explain your theme" and how it relates to your findings."

What is a good alternative to "explain your theme"?

Alternatives include "clarify your central idea", "elaborate on your main idea", or "describe your central concept", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to "explain your theme" in an essay?

In an essay, to ""explain your theme"" means to clearly articulate the central, unifying idea or message that the essay explores. This involves not just stating the theme, but also providing evidence and analysis to support it.

Why is it important to "explain your theme" clearly?

Clearly "explaining your theme" ensures that your audience understands the core message or idea you are trying to convey. A well-explained theme provides focus and coherence to your work, making it more impactful and meaningful.