fundamental theme

USAGE SUMMARY

"fundamental theme" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a central idea or subject that underlies a book, movie, or other work. For example, you could say "The fundamental theme of the novel is the consequences of seeking power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Entanglement is the fundamental theme.

The New York Times - Arts

Betrayal is the fundamental theme of "The Appointment," unmistakable yet vague at the same time.

The New York Times - Books

He knows he fits in on a team united by one fundamental theme: winning.

The New York Times - Sports

This emergence from nothingness and disappearance back into it is the fundamental theme of Mr. Amagatsu's work, and perhaps of Butoh itself.

The New York Times - Arts

Malevich is monumental not for what he put into pictorial space but for what he took out: bodily experience, the fundamental theme of Western art since the Renaissance.

The New Yorker

The tension between the two, at the heart of the movie's father-son odyssey, may be the fundamental theme of our era.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Which brings me to my point, that the one fundamental, primal theme of the books is food.

Huffington Post

And the play's structure is long on fundamental theme-fulfilling and short on subtlety.

The New York Times

The buoyancy is even more of a surprise, perhaps, because Merivel's fundamental themes are elegiac.

The Guardian - Books

Of course, these are the two fundamental themes of the book, the scientific and the personal.

The New York Times - Books

The story's most fundamental themes, meanwhile, include such reassuringly earthy – and earthly – subjects as cricket and towels.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing literature or art, use "fundamental theme" to identify the core message or idea the creator is trying to convey. This helps in understanding the work's deeper meaning and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental theme" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "main idea" or "central motif" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental theme" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the central, underlying concept or idea within a subject, artwork, or discussion. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0.03%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental theme" is a commonly used noun phrase that identifies the core idea or message of a subject or work. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's frequently encountered in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While interchangeable with phrases like "main idea" or "central motif", it's crucial to vary your language to avoid repetition. When employing "fundamental theme", always ensure it accurately represents the core concept you aim to highlight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overarching theme

Highlights a theme that is comprehensive or all-encompassing.

main idea

Refers to the overall point or message being communicated.

underlying principle

Emphasizes the foundational rule or belief that is the basis of something.

dominant concept

Emphasizes the concept that holds the most influence or power.

central motif

Focuses more on the recurring element or symbol within a work.

prevailing idea

Focuses on the idea that is most prominent or widespread.

primary concept

Emphasizes the core idea or notion being conveyed.

basic concept

Highlights the rudimentary idea or understanding.

core principle

Highlights the foundational rule or belief that guides something.

key element

Stresses the essential component that is crucial to something.

FAQs

How can I identify the "fundamental theme" of a book?

To identify the "fundamental theme", look for recurring ideas, symbols, and conflicts that the author emphasizes throughout the story. The theme is the underlying message the author wants to convey.

What's the difference between a "fundamental theme" and a topic?

A topic is a general subject, while a "fundamental theme" is a specific message or idea about that subject. For example, a topic might be 'love', but a "fundamental theme" could be 'love conquers all' or 'the destructive nature of love'.

What can I say instead of "fundamental theme"?

You can use alternatives like "main idea", "central motif", or "core concept" depending on the context.

How does the "fundamental theme" relate to the plot of a story?

The "fundamental theme" provides the underlying meaning or message of the story, while the plot is the sequence of events. The plot should support and illustrate the theme, making it more apparent to the reader.