recurring themes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recurring themes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe ideas, motifs, or concepts that appear multiple times within a text, artwork, or discussion. Example: "In her novel, the recurring themes of love and loss resonate deeply with the readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And several recurring themes emerged.

The New York Times

Family and domesticity are recurring themes.

The New York Times

Ambiguity and conflict are recurring themes.

The New York Times

These are recurring themes in his work.

The New York Times

Jang acknowledged the recurring themes in her work.

The New York Times

There are, however, recurring themes outlined in these exhibits.

The New York Times - Arts

Other recurring themes are rats, tinnitus, war and environmental damage.

Independent

There were two major recurring themes at the gathering, though.

The New York Times

That's one of Wendell's recurring themes: Listen to the land.

The New York Times

Recurring themes are loss, missing bits of history and voyeurism.

The Guardian - Film

The following summarises some of the recurring themes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing a text or work, use "recurring themes" to identify and discuss the central ideas that reappear throughout.

Common error

While "recurring themes" is accurate, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using synonyms like "prevalent topics" or "common threads" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recurring themes" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it identifying prevalent or repeating elements within a given context, such as literature or data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recurring themes" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that serves to identify and analyze repeating elements within a variety of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure you are clearly identifying patterns or topics that reappear and consider using synonyms like "prevalent topics" or "common threads" for variety. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and academic journals underscores its reliability and appropriateness in both formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repeated motifs

Focuses on visual or design elements that reappear.

prevalent topics

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the subjects discussed.

common threads

Highlights the connecting elements that reappear throughout different contexts.

recurrent patterns

Stresses the identifiable sequences that happen again.

emerging patterns

Suggests the themes are becoming noticeable over time.

typical elements

Highlights elements that appear again and again.

prevailing ideas

Focuses on the dominant thoughts that are expressed repeatedly.

constant features

Indicates features that are consistently present.

general aspects

Emphasizes commonly discussed aspects.

familiar elements

Highlights recurring elements that are recognizable.

FAQs

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

You can use "recurring themes" to identify elements that reappear throughout a work, such as "One of the "recurring themes" in the novel is the impact of social isolation".

What are some alternatives to "recurring themes"?

Alternatives include "repeated motifs", "prevalent topics", or "common threads" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "recurring themes" in formal writing?

Yes, "recurring themes" is appropriate for formal writing and analysis in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What distinguishes "recurring themes" from "main ideas"?

"Recurring themes" refers to ideas that reappear multiple times, while "main ideas" are the core concepts, which may or may not be repeated. "Recurring themes" supports and reinforces the main idea, by means of "common threads" and "repeated motifs".