theme of conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "theme of conversation" is correct and commonly used in written English.
For example, "The theme of conversation among the guests was the upcoming election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

How to be radical and still win British elections was the theme of conversation in Miliband's living room that Wednesday morning.

The Guardian

A recurring theme of conversation is the congestion now in and around Oxford – waits of over an hour on rush-hour roads, a bus system with nowhere to expand.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Putin cares about us" was the theme of conversations I had on both banks of the river, while "Europe could not give a toss".

The Guardian - Opinion

The seemingly meteoric rise to stardom of New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin has become the subject of news stories, the theme of conversations among millions of basketball enthusiasts, and captured the imaginations of youth in classrooms across the United States.

Huffington Post

Another commented that his "experience of the club table at the Oxford and Cambridge Club, where one does unfortunately encounter lady members, is that their presence leads to very different and far less enjoyable themes of conversation".

The Guardian

The themes of conversation and teaching recede into the background.

SEP

The latter quality is a constant theme of our conversation.

The New York Times

The theme of the conversation is the unreality of the World and the reality of Thought.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Growth is perhaps the governing theme of our conversation this lunchtime.

The Guardian - Music

Food safety was a recurring theme of that conversation, and the China team was incredibly concerned about it, reflecting what they felt was the No 1 concern for their consumers.

The Guardian

Many years ago I sat next to Brian Clough, then managing Forest, at a lunch in London and his pride in his son proved a recurring theme of a conversation that also revealed the depth of his affection for a young Roy Keane – or "the Irishman" as he called him.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "theme of conversation", ensure it clearly identifies the central topic or subject being discussed. For clarity, provide specific details about the theme to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "theme of conversation" in overly broad contexts without specifying what the theme actually is. For example, instead of saying "The theme of conversation was interesting", specify what made it interesting, such as "The theme of conversation was the impact of climate change on local ecosystems."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "theme of conversation" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the central subject or recurring topic being discussed. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It specifies what the discussion is primarily about.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "theme of conversation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the central subject or recurring topic being discussed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While alternatives like "topic of discussion" or "subject under discussion" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the actual theme to avoid broad generalizations. The neutral register of the phrase makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topic of discussion

Replaces "conversation" with "discussion", implying a more formal or structured exchange.

subject under discussion

Uses "subject" instead of "theme", focusing on the specific matter being talked about.

focus of the discussion

Highlights the central point of the conversation, emphasizing what is being concentrated on.

gist of the discussion

Refers to the main point or essence of the conversation.

matter at hand

Indicates the current issue or topic being addressed in the conversation.

recurring topic

Implies a topic that comes up repeatedly in conversations.

prevailing subject

Suggests the most common or dominant subject in a series of conversations.

central idea of the discussion

Emphasizes the main concept or thought being explored.

underlying subject of discussion

Highlights the topic which serves as foundation for conversation

dominant theme

Suggests the most prominent or noticeable theme in conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "theme of conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "theme of conversation" to introduce or refer to the main subject being discussed, as in "The main "theme of conversation" at the conference was sustainable development."

What are some alternative phrases for "theme of conversation"?

Alternatives include "topic of discussion", "subject under discussion", or "focus of the discussion" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "theme" or "topic" in "theme of conversation" versus "topic of conversation"?

Both "theme" and "topic" are suitable. "Theme" implies a recurring or underlying idea, while "topic" refers to a specific subject. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a deeper, more pervasive idea ("theme of conversation") or a concrete subject ("topic of conversation").

How can I identify the "theme of conversation" in a text or discussion?

Look for recurring subjects, central ideas, and key points that are frequently mentioned. Summarizing the main points of the discussion can help identify the "theme of conversation".