it is a common theme that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a common theme that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing recurring ideas or motifs in literature, art, or other contexts. Example: "In many novels, it is a common theme that love conquers all obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The great hemisphere divide To lose a game of the magnitude of the quarter-final really hurts and it is a common theme that we've lost to the southern hemisphere nations again.

Independent

Underpinning it is a common theme: that there is an ever more muscular and intimidating Muslim minority demanding special rights from a cowed and pandering, lily-livered body politic muzzled by "multicultural Britain" – rather than simply attempting to adapt and integrate, as immigrants of all religions have been doing in the UK for centuries.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

'Health and well-being' is a common theme that everyone works on".

The New York Times

More for less is a common theme that AWS presents.

TechCrunch

It was a common theme.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a common theme.

Forbes

Commitment to, and identifying with, the role of a doctor was a common theme that emerged.

BMJ Open

Coaches do not take enough risks to please statistical analysts -- that is a common theme.

The New York Times

I would give my soul for that!' Short-sightedness is a common theme with fictional obsessives.

The Guardian - Books

Catholicism is a common theme.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is a common theme.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the 'that' clause clearly and concisely states the theme. Avoid ambiguity by making the connection between different instances of the theme explicit.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "it is a common theme that", as this can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a common theme that" functions as an introductory phrase. It serves to highlight a recurring idea or motif, setting the stage for further elaboration or analysis. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase introduces overarching concepts in diverse contexts, signaling the prevalence of a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is a common theme that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce recurring ideas or motifs across various contexts. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, media, and scientific sources. To avoid repetition, alternatives such as "a recurring motif is that" or "a prevalent idea is that" can be used. While the phrase is generally suitable for neutral and professional registers, varying sentence structure and word choice can enhance clarity and reader engagement. The phrase is reliable and contributes to establishing a sense of continuity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring motif is that

Replaces 'theme' with 'motif' emphasizing a visual or symbolic element that repeats.

a prevalent idea is that

Substitutes 'common theme' with 'prevalent idea' highlighting the widespread nature of the concept.

a frequent topic is that

Replaces 'theme' with 'topic' focusing on the subject matter that is often discussed.

a repeating pattern is that

Emphasizes the cyclical or iterative nature of the theme, using 'repeating pattern'.

a shared characteristic is that

Shifts the focus to a common attribute or trait among different elements.

a consistent element is that

Highlights the uniformity and predictability of the recurring element.

a familiar refrain is that

Uses 'refrain' to suggest a regularly repeated phrase or idea, often in a literary or musical context.

a widespread notion is that

Similar to 'prevalent idea', but emphasizes the broad acceptance or belief in the concept.

a general thread is that

Uses 'thread' to represent a connecting element that runs through different parts of something.

a unifying principle is that

Highlights how the common theme serves to bring together disparate elements.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is a common theme that" to avoid repetition?

Alternatives include phrases like "a recurring motif is that", "a prevalent idea is that", or "a frequent topic is that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal way to express "it is a common theme that"?

In more formal writing, consider using "a unifying principle is that" or "a consistent element is that" to add a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "it is a common theme that" and "it is a common knowledge that"?

"It is a common theme that" refers to a recurring idea or motif, while "it is a common knowledge that" indicates something widely known or generally accepted as fact.

How to use "it is a common theme that" effectively in an essay?

Use "it is a common theme that" to introduce a central idea that connects various points in your essay. Provide specific examples and evidence to support how this theme manifests in different parts of your argument. This approach strengthens the coherence and depth of your analysis.