a topic of discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a topic of discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you would like to refer to the subject a group is speaking about or debating. For example, "We discussed a wide range of topics, with the most interesting one being a topic of discussion regarding environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was never really a topic of discussion," she said.

The New Yorker

Corporate governance was also a topic of discussion.

The New York Times

But it was never a topic of discussion".

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was never a topic of discussion," she said.

The New York Times

Except in her health class, sex is never a topic of discussion, she said.

The New York Times

But the Hornets and the Celtics were not a topic of discussion at practice Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

As you might expect, this is already a topic of discussion Down Under.

The Guardian

Naturally, the Nanjing massacre came up often as a topic of discussion at the academy.

The New York Times

The Olympics have been a topic of discussion here this weekend.

The New York Times - Sports

Bin Laden's truce offer immediately became a topic of discussion on the Islamist Web sites.

The New Yorker

During "Titanic," Leonardo DiCaprio predicted that Winslet's weight would become a topic of discussion.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a topic of discussion" when you want to indicate that something is being actively spoken about or considered. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "a topic of discussion" is perfectly acceptable, avoid relying on it too heavily in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "subject of conversation" or "matter of debate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a topic of discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies a particular subject or issue that is being talked about or debated, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a topic of discussion" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to denote a subject that is currently being spoken about or debated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, from formal news reports to casual conversations. While frequently found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and general contexts. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "subject of conversation" or "matter of debate". Remember to tailor your choice to the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subject of conversation

Replaces "topic" with "subject" and "discussion" with "conversation", slightly altering the tone.

a matter of debate

Focuses on the aspect of contention or argument inherent in some discussions.

a point of consideration

Emphasizes the thoughtful and evaluative nature of the discussion.

an item on the agenda

Highlights the planned or formal nature of the discussion.

a theme under consideration

Uses "theme" to suggest a broader, more encompassing topic.

a focus of attention

Shifts the emphasis to the level of interest the subject gets.

a talking point

Suggests a pre-prepared or commonly used phrase in a discussion.

a current issue

Highlights the timeliness and relevance of the subject.

a contested question

Emphasizes the uncertainty and disagreement surrounding the subject.

a popular narrative

Focuses on the story or account that is being discussed.

FAQs

How can I use "a topic of discussion" in a sentence?

You can use "a topic of discussion" to introduce a subject that is being actively talked about or considered. For example, "Climate change is "a topic of discussion" at many international conferences".

What's the difference between "a topic of discussion" and "a topic of conversation"?

While similar, ""a topic of discussion"" often implies a more formal or structured setting, while "a topic of conversation" suggests a more casual exchange.

What are some alternatives to "a topic of discussion"?

Alternatives include "a subject of conversation", "a matter of debate", or "an item on the agenda", depending on the specific context.

Is "a topic of discussion" formal or informal?

"A topic of discussion" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.