a topic of conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a topic of conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a subject that people are discussing or talking about. Example: "The recent changes in the climate policy have become a topic of conversation among environmentalists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's a topic of conversation".

The New York Times

Work just wasn't a topic of conversation.

The New York Times

"It hasn't been a topic of conversation among us.

The New York Times - Sports

Jewishness was often a topic of conversation in the family.

The New Yorker

Inappropriate as a topic of conversation for intelligent people.

The New York Times

Cannot even believe that it's even a topic of conversation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

During a courtship or engagement, money is often not a topic of conversation.

The New York Times

But for a regrettable minority, the Asian face seems to be a topic of conversation.

The Economist

His comments about the Jets were a topic of conversation in the Giants' locker room Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

Making the oceans a topic of conversation is difficult; $2 trillion ought to concentrate minds.

The Economist

"Landon Donovan's posterior, for instance, is a topic of conversation I've noticed on Twitter".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a topic of conversation" to transition between different aspects of your writing, ensuring a smooth and logical flow for your readers.

Common error

While "a topic of conversation" is correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "subject of discussion" or "point of discussion" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a topic of conversation" functions as a noun phrase identifying a subject that is currently being discussed or is likely to be discussed. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is commonly used to introduce or refer to subjects of interest or concern within a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a topic of conversation" is a common phrase used to denote a subject that people are currently discussing. Grammatically sound and widely employed across various contexts—especially in news and media—it serves to highlight subjects of interest or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse settings, although varying your language with alternatives like "subject of discussion" can enhance writing. While the phrase is generally correct, this analysis from Ludwig's search results provides a comprehensive guide to its effective and varied application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subject of discussion

Replaces 'topic' with 'subject', indicating a matter being discussed.

a matter of discussion

Substitutes 'topic' with 'matter', emphasizing the issue being talked about.

a point of discussion

Replaces 'topic' with 'point', focusing on a specific item for discussion.

a talking point

A more concise way to refer to a key topic that is frequently discussed.

an issue under discussion

Emphasizes that the issue is currently being discussed.

a theme in conversation

Highlights the recurring nature of the topic within conversations.

a recurring theme

Focuses on the repeated appearance of the topic.

a common theme

Indicates the widespread nature of the topic.

a frequent subject

Highlights how often something is brought up.

something often discussed

A more descriptive way of saying a topic is frequently talked about.

FAQs

How can I introduce "a topic of conversation" in a presentation?

Start with a compelling question or a brief story that relates to the topic. This can grab the audience's attention and make them more receptive to the discussion. For instance, you might say, "The issue of climate change has become "a topic of conversation" in almost every major conference."

What are some alternatives to "a topic of conversation" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a subject of discussion" or "a matter of debate". These options convey a more professional tone while maintaining clarity.

Is it correct to use "a topic for conversation" instead of "a topic of conversation"?

While "a topic for conversation" isn't incorrect, "a topic of conversation" is the more idiomatic and frequently used expression. The latter implies that the topic is already being discussed, whereas the former suggests a topic that could be discussed.

How does the register of "a topic of conversation" affect its use?

The phrase "a topic of conversation" is generally suitable for neutral to formal registers. In very informal settings, you might opt for simpler expressions like "something everyone's talking about".