theme of talking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "theme of talking" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts discussing the central idea or subject matter related to conversation or dialogue in a piece of writing or discussion. Example: "The theme of talking in this novel highlights the importance of communication in relationships."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And in keeping with the theme of talking up "Today," Mr. Naylor said the show's Web site, today.com, would be "getting a fully functioning digital studio" of its own, to be housed at Studio 1A at 30 Rockefeller Center.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The theme of these talking point segments will, no doubt, sharpen up as the campaign does, but for now they're kind of all over the map.

Huffington Post

We end up talking to ourselves and training young people in this limited range of issues that tend to be self-referential, so that when they go out there, and are ready to engage, they're incapable of talking in large themes.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bush used the moment to reiterate some of his campaign themes, talking of making "all our public schools excellent," strengthening Medicare and creating a prescription drug benefit for "all of our seniors".

The New York Times

When I speak on the science of distracted driving, the theme of my talk often centers on the idea that we fool ourselves.

Huffington Post

Resentment of "elites" is a major theme of conservative talk radio.

The New York Times - Magazine

Setting high goals and meeting them was a theme of his talk.

The New York Times

Citing the killings of four Israeli settlers in the West Bank this week, Mr. Netanyahu said security would have to be a critical theme of the talks.

The New York Times

The story of his illness and subsequent recovery was a frequent theme of his talks and writing, and it was often credited as an inspiration to others with mental illnesses.

The New York Times

Earlier this month, Goldsmiths MSc CGE joined M&C Saatchi's creatives and account managers in six teams of five people to work flat out for 48 hours to make an interactive game around the theme of "less talk, more play".

The Guardian

The general theme of my talk will revolve around how DataGiving is turning web data into personally meaningful information that activates people to do social good and make a real difference in the world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "theme of talking", ensure the context clearly refers to a recurring idea or subject in a conversation or dialogue. If the context is about a specific moment, consider "topic of conversation" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "theme of talking" when referring to a one-time subject or a quick exchange. The phrase implies a recurring or central idea. Use "topic of conversation" or "subject of discussion" for singular, isolated instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "theme of talking" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the overarching idea or subject that is being discussed or addressed in a conversation or dialogue. The phrase emphasizes the central, recurring element of the conversation, as evidenced in the provided example from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "theme of talking" refers to the central, recurring idea or subject in a conversation. Although grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests it may sound somewhat awkward and less common than alternatives like "topic of conversation" or "subject of discussion". Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it’s essential to ensure it refers to a recurring idea rather than a transient topic. While not incorrect, consider more conventional phrasings for enhanced clarity and formality. The use of alternative phrases can significantly improve the overall flow and perceived professionalism of the writing. The limited usage data of the phrase reflects that.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of discussion

Emphasizes what is being talked about.

topic of conversation

Highlights the theme that the speakers address.

central theme

Highlights the core message.

main focus

Highlights what the conversation is mainly about.

talking point

Focuses on a specific argument or idea discussed.

general subject matter

Broadens the scope to a larger area of discussion.

underlying message

Emphasizes the implied or less obvious theme.

issue at hand

Focuses on a specific problem or matter being talked about.

recurring motif

Suggests a repeated idea that reappears during talking.

thrust of the dialogue

Highlights the main point or argument of the exchange.

FAQs

What is a more common alternative to "theme of talking"?

More common alternatives include "topic of conversation", "subject of discussion", or simply "theme" depending on the context.

How does "theme of talking" differ from "talking point"?

"Theme of talking" refers to a central or recurring idea in a discussion, whereas "talking point" is a specific argument or piece of information used to support a viewpoint.

Can I use "theme of talking" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "theme of talking" might sound slightly awkward in formal writing. Opt for more concise phrases like "subject" or "topic" for clarity.

Is "theme of talking" interchangeable with "focus of the discussion"?

Yes, "theme of talking" can be similar to "focus of the discussion". However, "theme" suggests a more overarching and potentially less tangible element, while "focus" implies a more direct and deliberate point of concentration.