overlapping themes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overlapping themes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing subjects or ideas that share common elements or characteristics. Example: "In her analysis, she identified several overlapping themes between the two novels, highlighting their shared exploration of identity and belonging."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Parallel and overlapping themes and conceits dog the latest Liverpool Biennial.

The Guardian - Arts

Overlapping themes -- water, entertainment, the Roman house, religions -- illuminate different aspects of Antioch's civic character.

The New York Times - Arts

These are different, not necessarily overlapping themes, potentially canceling one another out as impressions to be gleaned from the exhibition.

The New York Times - Arts

Even John Walsh, who was part of the panel, admits "there were a number of overlapping themes [in the novels].

The Guardian - Books

There are overlapping themes in the two festivals: the centenary of the first world war will overshadow both.

The Guardian

Even Walsh, with his conviction that there is no such thing as women's fiction, acknowledges a bias in subject matter: 'There were a number of overlapping themes.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The piece can be seen as a playful — and sort of creepy — mating of two artists' careers, their divergent aesthetics overlapping in themes of infantilization and transgressive aspirations that never quite manage to produce transgressive results.

The New York Times - Arts

Several sub-themes were found within the larger themes and many of the findings overlapped multiple themes.

BMC Medical Education

24 Ethical issues (such as administering ineffective medicine, quackery, earning extra money) were an overlapping underlying theme in many of the articles.

British Medical Journal

The impact of podcast availability on students' learning will now be presented under four separate, but overlapping, sub-themes: enhanced control; gauging study needs; adding value to existing course materials; and building understanding.

BMC Medical Education

Because the Simon Snow series takes a lot of inspiration from the Harry Potter novels, were you ever worried with Carry On that the series would overlap in themes?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing multiple texts or phenomena, use "overlapping themes" to highlight shared concepts that contribute to a broader understanding. It suggests a nuanced relationship where themes are distinct but interconnected.

Common error

Avoid using "overlapping themes" when the themes are essentially the same. "Overlapping" implies partial sharing, not complete identity. Use "common themes" when themes are completely identical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overlapping themes" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific characteristic of different subjects, indicating shared conceptual ground. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "overlapping themes" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, particularly within academic, scientific, and news contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal writing. It serves to identify common concepts across different subjects. Alternatives such as "common themes" or "intersecting themes" may be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When employing this phrase, ensure that the themes genuinely share elements without being entirely identical. Understanding its proper usage ensures clarity and precision in analytical and comparative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common themes

This alternative focuses on the shared nature of the themes, omitting the aspect of them partially coinciding.

intersecting themes

This alternative highlights where the themes cross or meet, suggesting a point of convergence.

recurring motifs

This alternative emphasizes the repetition and significance of the themes, particularly in artistic or literary contexts.

shared subject matter

This alternative points to the common topics or subjects that the themes address.

related concepts

This alternative broadens the scope to include conceptual similarities, not strictly limited to themes.

converging ideas

This alternative suggests that different ideas are moving towards a common point or conclusion.

common threads

This alternative evokes the image of interconnectedness and shared elements linking different themes together.

parallel themes

This alternative emphasizes the similarity and co-occurrence of themes, suggesting they run alongside each other.

intertwined topics

This alternative suggests that topics are closely connected and difficult to separate.

unified concepts

This alternative denotes concepts and ideas that, while distinct, function as a cohesive and united whole.

FAQs

What does "overlapping themes" mean?

The term "overlapping themes" refers to subjects or concepts that share common elements but are not entirely identical. They have similarities and connections but maintain distinct characteristics.

How can I use "overlapping themes" in a sentence?

You can use "overlapping themes" to describe shared ideas or concepts between different works or subjects. For example, "The two novels explore "overlapping themes" of identity and belonging."

What are some alternatives to "overlapping themes"?

Alternatives to "overlapping themes" include "common themes", "intersecting themes", "related concepts", or "shared subject matter", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the themes are overlapped"?

While grammatically understandable, it's more common and natural to use the phrase "overlapping themes" or say "the themes overlap". The adjective form is preferred.