a particular topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a particular topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific subject or theme that is being discussed or analyzed. Example: "In this essay, I will focus on a particular topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years: climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

–How influential is another person's opinion on your own opinion about a particular topic?

The New York Times

Why or why not? –What role can music play in unifying people regarding a particular topic?

The New York Times

"He prefers interviews because he prefers speaking on a particular topic," Ms. Kumar told the newspaper.

The New York Times

Four reports falsely stated that they were the first published trial on a particular topic.

The Economist

A particular topic of communal mourning is the fall of an entire city to enemy forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

3. In groups, research and write dialogues between proponents of two competing theories on a particular topic of contention.

The New York Times

When tests are that broad, the first things to go are courses that examine a particular topic in depth.

The New York Times

This person then signed up for three dozen sexually themed groups — forums of users organized around a particular topic.

The New York Times

A user can search the entire database of videos for any that mention a particular topic, person, industry or company.

The New York Times

Gosh, I didn't know that!" – and if you're not comfortable with a particular topic of conversation, say so.

The Guardian - Opinion

Better still, look out for systematic reviews, which try to summarise everything that has been published on a particular topic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a particular topic" in academic writing, be sure to define the topic clearly to avoid ambiguity. Provide context and background information to ensure your reader understands the specific focus of your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "a particular topic" when your discussion is actually about several related topics. If your analysis covers multiple themes, it's better to use a broader term or explicitly list the topics you'll be addressing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular topic" functions as a noun phrase that specifies a singular, distinct subject or theme. Ludwig's examples show it's often used to introduce or focus on a specific area of discussion or study. The phrase modifies a noun, in our case "topic", singling it out from others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a particular topic" is a versatile and widely used phrase that serves to narrow the focus of a discussion. As indicated by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and is frequently found in news, scientific, and general writing. To ensure clarity, define the specific topic you're referring to and avoid using the phrase when your discussion encompasses multiple themes. Alternatives such as "a specific subject" or "a designated theme" can be used depending on the context. Remember, this phrase is useful across a wide range of registers, though precision and relevance are key in more formal contexts. By grasping these nuances, you can employ "a particular topic" effectively in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific subject

Replaces 'particular' with 'specific', emphasizing precision.

a certain subject

Substitutes 'particular' with 'certain', indicating a definite but not explicitly named subject.

a focused subject

Emphasizes the concentration on a single topic.

a selected subject

Indicates the topic was chosen from a range of possibilities.

a designated theme

Uses 'designated' to highlight that the theme has been previously decided.

a precise issue

Highlights the exactness of the topic being discussed.

a chosen area

Replaces 'topic' with 'area', broadening the scope to a field of study or interest.

a given theme

Implies the theme is predetermined or agreed upon.

a specialized field

Replaces 'topic' with 'field', suggesting an area of expertise or deep knowledge.

a defined area of interest

Clearly specifies that the topic is limited to an area of interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "a particular topic" to refer to a specific subject under discussion. For example, "The professor specialized in "a particular topic" within astrophysics."

What are some alternatives to "a particular topic"?

Alternatives include "a specific subject", "a certain theme", or "a designated theme", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a particular topic" and "a specific topic"?

While similar, "a particular topic" may imply a pre-existing or known subject, whereas "a specific topic" emphasizes the precision and focus on one distinct subject.

When should I use "a particular topic" versus "a general topic"?

Use "a particular topic" when focusing on a precise subject. Use "a general topic" when discussing a broader theme without specific constraints.