a major topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant subject or theme in a conversation, essay, or presentation. Example: "In our meeting today, we will focus on a major topic: the impact of climate change on global economies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Iran was a major topic of discussion.

The New Yorker

It's been a major topic of conversation.

The New York Times - Sports

A major topic at their gatherings is romance.

The New York Times - Books

"It's a major topic around here now," Mrs. Larsen said.

The New York Times

In both arenas, missile defense will be a major topic.

The New York Times

Pakistan's relations with India will also be a major topic.

The New York Times

A major topic was cheating, especially among the smarter kids.

The New York Times

The trial was a major topic of conversation in Chicago's close-knit business community.

The New Yorker

By the 1980's urban legends were a major topic for folklore researchers.

The New York Times - Books

A major topic of that conversation was their mutual love of jazz.

The New York Times - Style

"The smoking ban will be a major topic in the Legislature this year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a major topic" with a prepositional phrase to add more context. Example: "A major topic in environmental science is climate change."

Common error

Avoid using "a major topic" without providing sufficient context or explanation. Vague references can leave the audience unsure of the topic's significance or relevance. Always clarify why the topic is considered major.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major topic" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a subject of substantial importance or broad interest, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a major topic" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote a subject of considerable importance or interest. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Its high frequency in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias underscores its broad acceptance. When using this phrase, ensure sufficient context to clarify the topic's significance. Alternatives include "a key subject" or "a significant theme", offering nuanced options for expressing importance. Remember to avoid overuse without clear context to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key subject

Replaces "major" with "key", emphasizing the importance of the topic.

a significant theme

Substitutes "topic" with "theme", which may be more appropriate in literary or artistic contexts.

a central issue

Replaces "topic" with "issue", highlighting that the topic is a point of contention or discussion.

a primary focus

Emphasizes that the topic is the main point of attention.

a prominent question

Highlights the topic as a leading query or concern.

a crucial point

Emphasizes that the topic is vital and decisive.

a dominant aspect

Indicates that the topic is a prevailing feature or characteristic.

a foremost concern

Stresses that the topic is a top priority.

a prevailing theme

Indicates that the topic is widespread and recurrent.

a critical area

Highlights that the topic is essential and needs careful attention.

FAQs

How can I use "a major topic" in a sentence?

You can use "a major topic" to introduce a significant theme or subject. For example, "Climate change is "a major topic" in environmental discussions."

What are some alternatives to saying "a major topic"?

Alternatives include "a key issue", "a significant theme", or "a central issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "major topic" or "important topic"?

"Major topic" and "important topic" are similar, but "major topic" implies a broader scope or greater significance. Use "major topic" when emphasizing the widespread relevance or impact of the subject, while use "important topic" when something holds significance.

What makes something qualify as "a major topic"?

A "major topic" typically has widespread relevance, significant impact, and generates considerable discussion. It's something that affects many people, industries, or fields, and is often a focus of ongoing research or debate.