main theme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main theme" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe the main idea or topic of a novel, movie, work of art, or other creative piece. For example, the main theme of the book Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is the importance of understanding before forming judgments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that your main theme?

The New York Times - Magazine

The main theme was safety.

The New Yorker

But back to the main theme.

The New York Times

This is Christopher Shinn's main theme.

The New York Times

Sanders' main theme was a rigged economy.

The Guardian

Jonzi D's main theme is not subtle.

The New York Times

"The main theme is pre-adolescent angst.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Its main theme was inclusiveness and compassion.

The New York Times

The economy has been the main theme.

The Guardian

There were, naturally, variations on each main theme.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The economy is the main theme of the mayoral campaign.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing a complex work, clearly identify the "main theme" early on to provide a framework for your interpretation.

Common error

Avoid simply stating the subject matter (e.g., "war") without articulating the deeper message or commentary that the "main theme" conveys about that subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main theme" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the central subject, idea, or message within a work of art, literature, or discussion. Ludwig examples show how it's used to pinpoint the core concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

26%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Huffington Post

3%

TechCrunch

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main theme" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that effectively identifies the central subject or idea of a work or discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its prevalence across diverse sources like News & Media and Science underscores its broad applicability. When using "main theme", focus on articulating the core message rather than merely stating the topic. Consider alternatives like "central topic" or "primary focus" to add nuance. To sum it up, understanding and correctly applying the phrase "main theme" enhances clarity and focus in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central topic

Focuses on the subject at the core of the discussion.

key subject

Highlights the importance of the subject matter.

primary focus

Emphasizes the main area of attention.

core concept

Refers to the fundamental idea or principle.

principal idea

Highlights the leading or most important idea.

major subject

Indicates a significant topic of discussion.

dominant idea

Refers to the most prevalent or influential concept.

overarching theme

Highlights a theme that encompasses all aspects.

central message

Focuses on the key takeaway or point.

underlying principle

Refers to a fundamental truth or law.

FAQs

How can I identify the "main theme" of a text?

Look for recurring ideas, conflicts, and symbols. The "main theme" is often the underlying message the author is trying to convey about these elements.

What is the difference between a "main theme" and a motif?

A motif is a recurring element (image, sound, word) that supports the development of the "main theme". The theme is the overarching message, while the motif is a tool used to build that message.

Can a work have multiple "main themes"?

While a work might explore various sub-themes, it typically has one or two central, overarching themes that dominate the narrative. These "main themes" are the most significant and pervasive.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "main theme"?

You can use alternatives like "central topic", "primary focus", or "core concept" depending on the context.