key theme

USAGE SUMMARY

"key theme" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the main or most important idea or topic being discussed in a sentence or passage. Example: The key theme of the novel is the struggle for power and control.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time is a key theme.

The Guardian - Books

It's a key theme in the book.

Harvard Business Review

Collaboration was a key theme of the discussion.

The Guardian

A key theme of the book is astrology.

The Guardian - Books

Cross-platform play was another key theme of the conference.

The Guardian - Tech

In fact it was a key theme of his trial.

The Guardian - Sport

Will he make that a key theme this time?

The Washington Post

Waistcoats are a key theme for next summer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Port system development is a key theme in port geography literature.

Journal of Transport Geography

Robotics is a key theme in many of the degrees offered in Systems Engineering.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

A key theme is that attention modulates cortical self-organization and stability.

Neurobiology of Attention

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing a text or event, explicitly state the "key theme" early on to provide context and direction for your audience.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is a "key theme" without offering concrete examples or evidence to support your claim. Provide specific instances and details to illustrate the theme's presence and importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key theme" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the central or most important concept within a particular context. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it highlights the core subject matter of a discussion, analysis, or creative work.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key theme" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that identifies a central, recurring idea. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively highlights the most important concept within various contexts. The phrase is commonly used in neutral registers, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. Related phrases include "central idea" and "main subject", offering alternative ways to express the core concept. To use "key theme" effectively, provide specific examples to support your identification of the central idea and avoid overusing it without providing context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central idea

Focuses on the core concept, downplaying the recurrence aspect.

main subject

Highlights the primary topic of discussion.

major topic

Emphasizes the significance of the topic.

primary focus

Stresses the main point of attention.

recurring motif

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the theme, often in artistic contexts.

central concept

Highlights the core idea or notion.

overarching idea

Stresses the all-encompassing nature of the idea.

dominant motif

Similar to recurring motif, but emphasizing strength.

underlying message

Emphasizes the implicit nature of the theme.

core element

Highlights the fundamental component or aspect.

FAQs

How can I effectively identify a "key theme" in a text?

Look for recurring ideas, motifs, or concepts that are central to the text's meaning. Consider the author's purpose and the overall message being conveyed. Pay attention to elements that are emphasized or repeated throughout the work.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "key theme"?

You can use alternatives such as "central idea", "main subject", or "primary focus" depending on the specific context.

How do I incorporate the "key theme" into my analysis?

Incorporate the "key theme" by illustrating the core concept, and showing how the details of your analysis relates to this theme. Provide specific examples from the text or event to support your interpretation.

What's the difference between a "key theme" and a minor theme?

A "key theme" is the central, overarching idea that dominates a work, while minor themes are related but less prominent ideas that contribute to the overall meaning but are not the primary focus.