a commonplace theme vs a common theme

Both 'a commonplace theme' and 'a common theme' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'A commonplace theme' implies that the theme is overused or unoriginal, while 'a common theme' simply means a theme that is frequently found or shared. The choice between the two depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Last updated: March 28, 2024

a commonplace theme

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It implies that the theme is overused or unoriginal.

This phrase is used to describe a theme that is considered trite, unoriginal, or lacking in originality. It suggests that the theme is so frequently used that it has become ordinary or predictable.

Examples:

The love triangle is such a commonplace theme in romantic comedies.
The hero's journey is a commonplace theme in many adventure stories.
The struggle between good and evil is a commonplace theme in literature.
The theme of redemption is a commonplace theme in classic novels.
The coming-of-age theme is a commonplace theme in young adult literature.

Show examples from the web [+]

True. But you are not a commonplace man.
Culture is being burning is a commonplace.
It shows that thinking about energy savings has now become a commonplace.
It's a commonplace, rather sad, little story.
To speak of striking the right balance has become a commonplace.
Mr Di Pietro admits that his article contained a "astounding error" caused by a commonplace file copy problem.
We now know that this is a commonplace phenomenon in countries other than those he has actually mentioned, for example in the Middle East.
This Argentine scheme is a commonplace Stock Exchange swindle.
Now it has become a sort of a commonplace thing, but a few years ago the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and myself were paying for it ourselves - so that was cool.
That would mark the beginning of a process that would both spread radioactivity and make it a commonplace phenomenon.
it is a commonplace observation that remarkable events often have ordinary beginnings.
It's a commonplace, a cliché.
And while sensationalist headlines are a commonplace vice, unmerited for sensitive topics, the content of the article did nothing to dispel the doubts: since Lazard has long-standing and undisputed expertise in the default field, suspicion was justified.
It has become a commonplace, of... critical discourse...
In short, everyone must work together to make these systems a commonplace and financially accessible product on the market so that consumer demand for them increases.
Furthermore, there are also cases where the course of events shows that there is no longer any reason to make a public service out of what has become a commonplace and everyday activity.
"For the Snark is a strange creature and will not be caught in a commonplace way."

Alternatives:

a clichéd theme
an overused theme
a tired theme
a hackneyed theme
a trite theme

a common theme

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It simply refers to a theme that is frequently found or shared.

This phrase is used to describe a theme that is widely present or shared across different contexts. It does not carry the negative connotation of being overused or unoriginal.

Examples:

Friendship is a common theme in children's literature.
The passage of time is a common theme in art.
Family dynamics are a common theme in many TV shows.
Struggles with identity are a common theme in coming-of-age stories.
Nature is a common theme in romantic poetry.

Show examples from the web [+]

There's certainly a common theme about needing to make the moment out of this.
Schools involved in partnerships work together on a common theme and receive funding for transnational mobility and local project costs.
Comenius 1 School Partnerships allow a minimum of three schools in three different countries to work together on a common theme.
If you look at the work we have been doing in the last two or three months, you will see a common theme in what I have been saying, which has been the need to be more active in our neighbourhood.
Member States may also apply for a "thematic" label for several national sites linked by a common theme.
These motions all have a common theme.
These questions are all based around a common theme: "a strong and open Europe in the new Millennium".
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the proposals in the so-called pharmaceutical package which I am presenting this evening at Parliament's request have a common theme.
Languages, Mr President, are included, as a common theme, in all our education programmes as well as in our programmes for citizenship.
There are different views, but those views, I believe, will converge around a common theme, and that is what we ought to do.
Our Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs calls in particular on the Commission to succeed in outlining a common policy in the form of a common theme, a clear policy shared by all of the Member States.

Alternatives:

a prevalent theme
a widespread theme
a recurring theme
an overarching theme
a pervasive theme

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a commonplace theme vs a common theme