trope

USAGE SUMMARY

"trope" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to refer to a figure of speech, a cliché, or a common theme. For example, "The phrase 'a cat has nine lives' is a familiar trope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he probably saw it at the movies: Cash fluttering down like confetti has been a favorite film trope from It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World to Bull Durham.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has become a trope of the campaign that women are more likely to be undecided than men, and this remains the case although a recent poll for Scotland on Sunday/ICM found a five-point increase in support for independence among female voters.

The Guardian

The America's Cup illustrates how effectively Hawke seized on that trope.

The Guardian - Opinion

He thinks he has found a winning theme with the "One Nation" trope that he launched in his party conference speech.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like vintage suitcases and handmade bunting, bicycles have become a hipster wedding trope.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This social unease is just a trope of the rightwing press".

The Guardian

Though the familiar media trope is of obsolete hi-tech junk shipped off for dangerous backyard recycling, in reality many of these products are refurbished on arrival and receive a second lease of life in developing-world households.

The Economist

A favourite Tory trope is to support equality of opportunity but not equality of outcome.

The Economist

Horst returned to this red, white and blue scheme repeatedly, a visual trope that echoed his effort to become an American citizen something that wasn't easy for a German in the 1940s.Horst took particular pleasure in pictures of the backs of women wearing corsets.

The Economist

Instead of depicting the Cypriot deal as a one-off, the usual trope, he said that the bail-in of bank creditors, including uninsured depositors if necessary, should become a template.

The Economist

Worse for Mr Osborne, there is also evidence to suggest the cuts will be felt more widely than his drawn-curtain trope was intended to suggest.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing a work, consider the impact of specific tropes on the overall meaning and audience reception.

Common error

Avoid using "trope" and "archetype" interchangeably. While both represent recurring elements, tropes are more specific and can evolve within genres, whereas archetypes are universal and fundamental patterns.

Linguistic Context

The word "trope" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a recurring theme, device, or figure of speech in creative works. As Ludwig AI explains, it is similar to archetype and cliché but not necessarily pejorative. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing film, campaign strategies and political rhetoric.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trope" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe recurring themes or devices in creative works. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across various contexts. The term carries a neutral connotation and appears most often in News & Media and Science sources. When using "trope", remember to distinguish it from related terms like "archetype" and "motif", and be mindful of the potential for tropes to become clichés if overused. By recognizing common tropes, you can enhance your analysis and understanding of different media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

archetypal image

Emphasizes the universal and fundamental nature of the image.

literary convention

Focuses on accepted practices in literature.

rhetorical device

Focuses specifically on persuasive language techniques.

recurring motif

Focuses on the repetition of an element within a work.

conventional theme

Emphasizes the traditional or expected nature of the subject matter.

stock character

Highlights a character that is instantly recognizable due to repeated use.

narrative device

Refers to a technique used in storytelling.

common figure of speech

Emphasizes the rhetorical aspect of the term.

familiar cliché

Highlights the overused nature of the concept.

established pattern

Focuses on the predictable arrangement of elements.

FAQs

How is "trope" used in literary analysis?

In literary analysis, "trope" refers to a commonly used theme, device, or figure of speech. Identifying tropes helps understand a work's genre and its relationship to other works. For example, the 'chosen one' is a common "recurring motif" in fantasy literature.

What are some examples of common tropes in film?

Examples include the 'damsel in distress', the 'reluctant hero', and the 'ticking clock scenario'. Recognizing these "narrative devices" enhances understanding of cinematic storytelling.

Is "trope" always negative, implying something is cliché?

Not necessarily. While a trope can become a cliché if overused, it's initially a recognizable and effective device. Its impact depends on the context and execution. Overusing a "familiar cliché" can be considered negative.

What's the difference between "trope" and "motif"?

"Trope" is a broader term encompassing recurring themes, devices, or figures of speech, while a "recurring motif" is a specific element that repeats within a single work. A trope can be a motif, but not all motifs are tropes.