the central theme is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the central theme is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the main idea or underlying message of a piece of literature, art, or any other subject matter. Example: "In the novel, the central theme is the struggle for identity in a changing world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Nevertheless, the central theme is clearly and strongly posed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The central theme is change, and the message that everything is mutable.

The New York Times

But, he added, "For some deaf kids, having deafness as the central theme is inspiring".

The Guardian

For many who live along the corridor, the central theme is the decline that's all too visible.

The New York Times - Magazine

The central theme is that if America abandons Iraq, the sacrifices of those soldiers will have been in vain.

The New York Times

The central theme is how to design a good engine system performance specification at an early stage of the product development cycle.

Diesel Engine System Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

For Kerry, the central theme was that he was born and bred in uniform, a theme central to a campaign trying to unseat an incumbent, George W Bush, widely seen as a strong leader in a perpetual "war on terror".

The Guardian

The central theme was Minnie as a female Dennis the Menace, who also appeared in the Beano, making life a misery for her dad and anyone else who crossed her path.

The Guardian

The central theme was for students to design new outdoor recreation areas that will reduce public risk of contracting vector-borne diseases.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

One such report that hit my desk recently was the annual survey published by Deloitte and Oil and Gas UK, and the central theme was a topic that has been a staple of the event calendar this year, namely collaboration.

Forbes

At a recent White House Conference on Aging, the central theme was the vast overhaul of assisted-living and nursing home models.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the central theme is" to clearly and concisely introduce the main topic or idea being discussed, ensuring your audience understands the primary focus.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "the central theme is", as it can become repetitive. Instead, use synonyms or rephrase to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the central theme is" serves as a declarative statement to introduce the primary subject or core idea of a particular work, discussion, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the central theme is" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the main idea or subject of a topic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted, appearing frequently across various domains like news, science, and encyclopedias. While it's effective for clarity, avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively employ "the central theme is" to guide your audience and highlight the most important aspects of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main subject is

Replaces 'theme' with 'subject', focusing on the topic under discussion.

the key idea is

Substitutes 'theme' with 'idea', emphasizing the core concept.

the primary focus is

Uses 'focus' instead of 'theme', highlighting the main point of attention.

the core concept is

Replaces 'theme' with 'concept', stressing the fundamental notion.

the principal element is

Substitutes 'central theme' with 'principal element', underscoring a key component.

the dominant motif is

Employs 'motif' for 'theme', often used in literary or artistic contexts.

the overarching idea is

Replaces 'central theme' with 'overarching idea', emphasizing a comprehensive concept.

the underlying message is

Highlights the implicit communication rather than the explicit topic.

at its heart, it's about

Shifts the structure to emphasize the essence of the topic.

the essence revolves around

Changes the structure to focus on what the core essence is centered on.

FAQs

How can I use "the central theme is" in a sentence?

You can use "the central theme is" to introduce the main topic or idea of a discussion, essay, or analysis. For example: "In the novel, the central theme is the struggle between good and evil."

What are some alternatives to "the central theme is"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the main subject is", "the key idea is", or "the primary focus is", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the central theme is"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "the central theme is" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing to keep your writing engaging.

What's the difference between "the central theme is" and "a recurring theme is"?

"The central theme is" refers to the main, overarching idea. "A recurring theme is" indicates an idea that appears multiple times but may not be the primary focus.