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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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theme of what

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "theme of what" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be used in a context where one is questioning the subject or focus of a theme, but it lacks clarity and specificity. Example: "The theme of what we discussed yesterday remains unclear to me."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"There is the ominous theme of what hypocrisy and oppression breed".

That led him to the broader theme of what science can deal with.

News & Media

The Guardian

His other big book was on Europe: increasingly the dominant theme of what Hugo wrote.

News & Media

The Guardian

From the start, everything he said seemed directed to the theme of what he called "peace in an imperfect world".

News & Media

The New York Times

The subject given to the competing artists was to present the real theme of what Bernadette saw in her visions.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Time after time, he burrowed into the theme of what he considers the polarizing nature of the Republican Party.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

You probably won't have a specific design in mind, but you should have a theme or idea of what you want, which should include the style.

But let's move on: these things are much less important than the broad themes of what Seldon says, and how much they chime with the more objectionable aspects of long-standing education policy.

In fact, Mr. Vandekeybus had the child move in with him for three weeks, an experience that he connected to the themes of "What the Body Does Not Remember".

She emerged with three themes of what we might - but won't - call "new sustainability".

News & Media

Forbes

How does your book fit in with other recent texts' take on the themes of what and how we eat-Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma, Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life?

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the central subject, ensure clarity by rephrasing with options like "theme of which" or "topic of what" for better grammatical structure.

Common error

Avoid using "theme of what" due to its grammatical ambiguity. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives like "theme of which" or "topic of what" to ensure your writing is easily understood.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

3.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "theme of what" functions as a prepositional phrase that attempts to identify the subject or central idea. However, Ludwig AI analysis suggests that it lacks grammatical clarity and may lead to ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "theme of what" is frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. However, Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that this phrase is grammatically incorrect. While its intention is to pinpoint a central topic, it is generally considered ambiguous and may require additional context for comprehension. Grammatically clearer alternatives such as "theme of which" or rephrasing to specify the topic directly are advisable for enhanced clarity. Despite its prevalence, opting for more precise language ensures effective communication.

FAQs

How can I use "theme of what" in a sentence correctly?

While "theme of what" is frequently used, it's often considered grammatically awkward. For clearer communication, consider rephrasing with alternatives like "theme of which".

What are some alternatives to "theme of what"?

You can use alternatives such as "topic of what", "subject of what", or "essence of what" depending on the specific context.

Is "theme of what" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "theme of what" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English, hence it should be avoided in formal writing.

What's the difference between "theme of what" and "theme of which"?

"Theme of which" provides a clearer grammatical structure when referring back to a specific theme, while "theme of what", although frequently used, is often seen as grammatically ambiguous. Therefore, when possible, using "theme of which" is often preferable.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

3.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: