theme in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "theme in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific subject or topic within a broader context, often in academic or analytical writing. Example: "The novel explores a theme in which the struggle for identity is central to the characters' development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Rutebeuf's Miracle de Théophile is an early version of the Faust theme, in which the Virgin Mary secures Théophile's salvation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Lempel's puzzle has a letter-insertion theme, in which we are asked to cram the letter "H" into four mostly familiar phrases.

The New York Times

"Nudes of the 1930s," the other new show, at Zwirner & Wirth, samples a theme in which Neel excelled, and an epoch of stark poignancies.

The New Yorker

Lear: There's again a general theme in which this fits, which is the possibility of living with certain kinds of intimacy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most were romantic novels, typically involving a poor boy rich girl (or rich boy poor girl) theme, in which the plot was brought to a happy conclusion by a series of improbable coincidences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Modeled on the Prometheus, it recalls Aeschylus's tragedy both in its form, in which the immobilized hero receives a sequence of visitors, and in its theme, in which there is a resurgence of the hero's spirit under stress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Other stories include themes in which people ascend to the sky to become constellations, maltreated children become animals, and an orphan boy becomes successful.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In spite of their differences, both Angiolini and Noverre were instrumental in transforming ballet from its customarily disjointed, unemotional plots and emphasis on displays of technique to more expressive themes in which all elements were integrated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An emotionally astute novel on public themes, in which a charming 23-year-old psychopath comes back to wreck the life of the child psychologist who helped send him to jail 13 years earlier.

The New York Times - Books

A characteristically angry novel on public themes, in which a charming 23-year-old psychopath comes back to overturn the life of the child psychologist who helped send him to jail 13 years earlier.

The New York Times - Books

Break-ups, loss, lust, panic, and self-realization are timeless themes in which Penney languishes on his debut LP Window out now on Ecstasy Records. .

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "theme in which" to clearly indicate that a particular subject or motif is central to the discussion or analysis. For example, "The play explores a "theme in which" betrayal leads to downfall."

Common error

Avoid using "theme in which" in overly simplistic sentences where a more direct phrasing would suffice. For instance, instead of "The book has a "theme in which" love is important", consider "The book emphasizes the importance of love."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "theme in which" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing a relative clause that specifies or elaborates on the nature of the theme. It's used to connect a general subject with a specific condition or characteristic as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "theme in which" is a common and grammatically correct way to specify a subject within a context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is particularly prevalent in news, encyclopedic, and scientific writing, serving to provide clarity and detail about the topic at hand. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it may be replaced by simpler alternatives in informal contexts. This phrase effectively bridges a general theme with its specific attributes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topic within which

Replaces "theme" with "topic", maintaining the sense of a subject within a broader context.

subject area where

Substitutes "theme" with "subject area" and "in which" with "where", slightly altering the structure but preserving the core meaning.

context wherein

Uses "context" instead of "theme" and employs the more formal "wherein" for "in which".

framework under which

Replaces "theme" with "framework", suggesting a structural context.

motif through which

Substitutes "theme" with "motif", which is suitable for discussing artistic or literary subjects.

lens through which

Changes "in which" to "through which", implying a perspective or viewpoint related to the theme.

angle from which

Highlights the perspective from which the theme is observed.

narrative in which

Focuses on the theme as part of a broader narrative or story.

concept within which

Uses "concept" instead of "theme", suitable for abstract or theoretical discussions.

idea around which

Shifts the focus to the idea that the context revolves around.

FAQs

How can I use "theme in which" in a sentence?

Use "theme in which" to introduce and elaborate on a recurring subject or motif within a text, discussion, or creative work. For example: "The movie presents a "theme in which" technology and humanity clash."

What are some alternatives to "theme in which"?

Alternatives include phrases like "topic within which", "subject area where", or "context wherein", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Consider "topic within which" for general subjects or "context wherein" for more formal writing.

Is "theme in which" formal or informal?

"Theme in which" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. However, more concise or direct phrasings might be preferred in very informal settings. You can replace it with "topic within which" for a less formal approach.

What's the difference between "theme in which" and "themes in which"?

"Theme in which" refers to a single, specific theme, while "themes in which" refers to multiple themes. For example, "The novel explores a "theme in which" love triumphs over adversity", versus "The novel explores "themes in which" family, loss, and redemption are central."