a running subject of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a running subject of" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear in meaning.
It could be used in contexts discussing ongoing topics or themes in a conversation or text. Example: "The debate about climate change has become a running subject of discussion in our meetings."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Indeed, a running subject of the Biennial is what could be described as the art-industrial complex, in which corporations involved in military contracts or some of the gentrification projects that have stirred up such anger in Istanbul then offer financial support to art that comments on those projects.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Before each functional scanning run, subjects rated pain intensity of the stimuli under 50 ml and 100 ml rectal balloon distention on a 10-point scale.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The fast food chain re-released several thousand packets of Szechuan Sauce, the subject of a running joke on the show, to promote their new Buttermilk Chicken Tenders.

Vice

The fast-food chain re-released several thousand packets of Szechuan sauce, the subject of a running joke on the show, to promote its new Buttermilk Chicken Tenders.

Vice

Edwin treasured Mark's foster-paternal guidance, which came to include a running pep talk on the subject of big-wave surfing.

The New Yorker

It was the second final RSL had lost that year — having been stunned at home in the Open Cup by DC United (whose disastrous regular season in MLS had been the subject of a running #sadstats gag on Twitter).

The Guardian - Sport

The automatic coarsening is subject of a running student's project.

Plosone

That freedom was a subject running through many of the year's most-important works; another was the confronting of the end, as a number of literary works of 2014 considered scenarios real and imagined by which the planet, humanity, or the country might meet its demise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Drug running is not a subject of particular interest in my research, but I'm always game for a well-informed briefing.

The New Yorker

Fig. 1 present a schema of a subject running on a treadmill equipped with force transducers.

Biology Open

The interview is part of a series the Guardian is running on the subject of populism – because obviously the best people to talk to about why neoliberal politics are failing are the people who championed them in the first place.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "recurring theme" or "ongoing topic" for greater clarity and acceptance in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a running subject of" in highly formal or academic writing where clarity and conventional phrasing are essential. Opt for alternatives that are more widely recognized and accepted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a running subject of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a particular topic or theme that is ongoing or recurring. Ludwig indicates this usage is infrequent.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a running subject of" is a phrase used to describe a topic or theme that recurs frequently. While grammatically correct, it is not a commonly used expression, as Ludwig also points out. Better alternatives include "recurring theme" or "ongoing topic". The phrase appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When choosing to use this phrase, it is important to consider your audience and the level of formality required. Due to its relatively low frequency, it might be more suitable to use more common alternatives in formal writing to ensure clarity and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuing subject of

Uses "continuing" as a direct synonym for "running", focusing on the uninterrupted nature.

a recurring theme in

Replaces "subject" with "theme" and uses the preposition "in" for a more common expression.

a constant topic of

Substitutes "running" with "constant" to emphasize the continuous nature of the topic.

an ongoing subject in

Replaces "running" with "ongoing" maintaining the sense of continuation.

a repeated topic of

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the topic.

a persistent theme in

Uses "persistent" instead of "running" to highlight the enduring quality of the theme.

a frequent topic of

Emphasizes the high occurrence of the topic rather than its continuous nature.

a common subject in

Highlights the widespread nature of the subject.

a current subject of

Focuses on the present relevance and timeliness of the subject.

a developing subject in

Indicates that the subject is evolving or unfolding over time.

FAQs

What does "a running subject of" mean?

The phrase "a running subject of" refers to a topic or theme that is frequently or continuously discussed or present. It suggests that the subject is ongoing and recurring in various contexts.

What can I say instead of "a running subject of"?

You can use alternatives like "a recurring theme", "an ongoing topic", or "a constant subject depending on the context.

Is "a running subject of" grammatically correct?

While grammatically correct, "a running subject of" is not a very common phrase. Alternative phrasings are usually preferred for enhanced clarity.

How can I improve the clarity of "a running subject of" in my writing?

To improve clarity, consider using a more common phrase such as "a recurring theme" or "an ongoing topic". This will make your writing more accessible and understandable.