a big subject

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big subject" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a broad topic, or when referring to a general area of investigation. For example, you might say, "This is a big subject, so we'll need lots of time to discuss it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's a big subject.

The New York Times

A big subject?

The Guardian - Books

Houellebecq's novel certainly attacks a big subject.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is a big subject," he sighs.

The Guardian - Film

Hip-hop is a big subject.

The New York Times - Arts

(The Britishness of contemporary British art is a big subject).

The New York Times - Arts

Munch is a big subject for a small museum.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a big subject of conversation," one pilot said.

The New York Times

No novel.' Houellebecq's novel certainly attacks a big subject.

The Guardian - Books

A few scattershot reflections on what is a big subject.

The New Yorker

It's a big subject, covering more ground that slavery at Monticello.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big subject" to signal that you'll only be able to scratch the surface of the topic, implying further exploration may be needed.

Common error

Avoid using "a big subject" as an excuse for a lack of depth. While it signals the scope is large, it shouldn't excuse superficial treatment; still provide concrete examples and focused analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big subject" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the topic or issue under discussion, indicating that it is broad and encompassing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big subject" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe topics of considerable breadth and scope. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it frequently appears in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context and manage audience expectations, acknowledging the complexity of the subject while avoiding overgeneralization. Related alternatives include phrases like "a major topic" or "a broad theme", each offering slightly different nuances to emphasize the scale, importance, or complexity of the issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major topic

Emphasizes the importance and scope of the subject.

a broad theme

Highlights the wide-ranging nature of the subject matter.

a complex issue

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the subject.

an extensive area

Indicates the vastness and comprehensiveness of the subject.

a significant matter

Stresses the importance and relevance of the subject.

an important question

Highlights the critical nature of the subject being discussed.

a key area of concern

Focuses on the critical and potentially problematic aspects of the subject.

a weighty issue

Suggests the subject is serious and demands careful consideration.

a substantial issue

Indicates the subject has considerable size and significance.

a far-reaching theme

Emphasizes the wide impact and influence of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "a big subject" in a sentence?

You can use "a big subject" to introduce a topic that is broad, complex, or has many facets. For example, "Climate change is "a big subject" that requires a multidisciplinary approach."

What's a more formal way to say "a big subject"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a major topic" or "a significant matter" to convey the importance and scope of the subject.

How can I indicate that a subject is too broad to cover fully?

Use "a big subject" to set expectations about the depth of coverage. For instance, "Artificial intelligence is "a big subject"; we'll only be able to touch on the key concepts today."

What's the difference between "a big subject" and "a complex issue"?

"A big subject" refers to the breadth and scope of a topic, while "a complex issue" highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of a problem or challenge.