theme of rivalry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "theme of rivalry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to refer to a situation of competition between two or more people, organizations, or groups. For example, "The theme of rivalry between the two teams was strong throughout the entire season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Winding the story into his theme, Steiner suggests that Judas may have been jealous of other disciples, closer to the Master, and thereby evokes the wider theme of rivalry between disciples.

The Guardian - Books

DANCEMOPOLITAN / DAVID PARKER AND THE BANG GROUP "ShowDown," Parker's clever and eclectic approach to dance theatre — which incorporates everything from hoofing to ballet — finds its inspiration, and an underlying theme of rivalry between the sexes, in Irving Berlin's songs from the musical "Annie Get Your Gun," in recordings by Judy Garland and Howard Keel.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But in fiction, a situation so open to complication provides the novelist with the perfect opportunity to run riot through themes of rivalry, jealousy, class tension and hidden desire; and Morrison does not shirk that opportunity.

The Guardian - Books

Apparently the theme of sibling rivalry wounding us forever -- we're children of Cain, after all, not Abel -- isn't mighty enough on its own.

The New York Times - Books

Edgar's frustrated wife, Juudit, has an affair with an SS-Hauptsturmführer; the theme of sexual rivalry echoes Purge, where two sisters fall in love with the same man, with terrible consequences.

The Guardian - Books

His latest serial, The Shooting Star, initially featured the United States as the primary antagonists; explaining this, Hergé asserted that the story revolved around the theme of "the rivalry for progress between Europe and the United States".

Wikipedia

Ceylan shoots among the stunning, strange landscapes of Cappadocia, but perversely keeps most of the action indoors, staging extended ruminations in rooms — on themes of sibling rivalry, mortality and ethics.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Foote's perennial themes of sisterly rivalry, brotherly mismanagement, divided families squabbling over inequitably divided estates and the catalogue of resentments that come with the territory of blood relationships, always lurk underneath.

The New York Times

The story deals with the themes of provincial rivalry between Ulster and Connacht, communal feasting and the heroic contest over the curadmír, and includes elements which show parallels with older Gaulish and pan-Celtic traditions.

Wikipedia

The usual themes of friendships, rivalries and injustices are explored, and the ending in reconciliation and future hope is entirely true to type.

Wikipedia

Several criticized the repetitive theme of football versus glee club rivalry, finding "The Sue Sylvester Shuffle" below typical Glee standards.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "theme of rivalry", ensure the context clearly establishes the entities or concepts involved in the competition. This helps to prevent ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "theme of rivalry" when the situation involves simple competition without the element of sustained antagonism or mutual awareness between the competitors. "Theme of competition" might be more appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "theme of rivalry" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a recurring subject or motif centered around competition and antagonism within a narrative, situation, or relationship. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "theme of rivalry" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that identifies a recurring pattern of competition or antagonism. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including news, media, and academic writing. The phrase is best used when you want to emphasize a sustained competitive relationship between two or more entities. When aiming for clarity, remember to differentiate rivalry from general competition and antagonism, selecting terms like "motif of competition" or "subject of contention" where relevant. Remember that when using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes which concepts or entities are involved in the competition to prevent any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motif of competition

Replaces "rivalry" with "competition", focusing on the general act of competing, which is a broader term.

core competitive tension

Emphasizes the tension created by competition as a central element.

underlying competitive spirit

Highlights the inherent desire to compete, which fuels the rivalry.

subject of contention

Shifts the focus from competition to disagreement, highlighting the point of conflict.

recurring conflict

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the conflict rather than the competitive aspect.

central opposition

Focuses on the main opposing forces or elements, suitable in a narrative context.

prevailing discord

Highlights the lack of harmony or agreement, emphasizing the negative impact of the rivalry.

pervasive animosity

Emphasizes the deep-seated hatred or ill-feeling involved.

major source of friction

Highlights the cause of tension and conflict, rather than the rivalry itself.

dominant adversarial dynamic

More formal and academic, it focuses on the relationship between adversaries.

FAQs

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

You can use "theme of rivalry" to describe a recurring pattern of competition or antagonism in a narrative or situation. For example, "The central "theme of rivalry" between the two brothers drove the plot forward."

What's a good alternative to "theme of rivalry"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "motif of competition" or "subject of contention" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "theme of rivalry" formal or informal?

"Theme of rivalry" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.

How does "theme of rivalry" differ from "question of rivalry"?

"Theme of rivalry" refers to a recurring motif or subject, while "question of rivalry" suggests an inquiry or debate about whether a rivalry exists or its nature.