a topic of speculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a topic of speculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing subjects that are uncertain or open to conjecture, often in contexts like news articles, academic discussions, or casual conversations. Example: "The sudden disappearance of the famous artist has become a topic of speculation among fans and critics alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Space rescue has been a topic of speculation for a wide community of people for decades.

Safety Design for Space Systems

Might the institute someday be connected to some eventual Obama presidential library, a topic of speculation in this city?

The New York Times

Jackson, for his part, was trapped in his own skin — and has anyone's skin ever been such a topic of speculation, analysis, and criticism?

The New Yorker

But Ms. Brown's fate had been a topic of speculation for several months, and she was known to be unhappy in her time slot.

The New York Times

In the wake of Tuesday's shooting, the question of what role demonetization may have played swiftly became a topic of speculation among YouTubers.

The New Yorker

84 Year that Trump's 👊 👋✌️ first became a topic of speculation, after Graydon Carter, now Vanity Fair editor, described him in a GQ profile as " 👏 small and neatly groomed".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A topic of widespread speculation has concerned the effect of gasification reactions of coal char on the char burning rate.

Combustion and Flame

The relationship between father and son is a topic of constant speculation.

The New Yorker

It is a topic of constant speculation in Ms. Clinton's circles.

The New York Times

Whether Gonzales will be a member of that court is a topic of much speculation.

Harvard University

The international spread of ebooks, currently an English-language dominated phenomenon, was a topic of hot speculation at the fair.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a topic of speculation" when you want to indicate that something is not yet known or confirmed, and people are making guesses about it.

Common error

While acceptable, consider stronger alternatives like "matter of inquiry" or "subject of investigation" in highly formal or academic writing to convey precision and rigor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a topic of speculation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a subject or issue that is characterized by uncertainty and conjecture. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a topic of speculation" is a commonly used phrase to denote uncertainty and conjecture surrounding a particular issue. As verified by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in register, more precise alternatives might be considered for highly formal settings. The phrase's communicative purpose is to highlight the absence of definitive information, prompting discussion and guessing. Remember to use it when you want to convey that something is not yet confirmed and is subject to various interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of conjecture

Emphasizes the lack of concrete evidence and reliance on guesswork.

a field of speculation

Indicates a broad area where guessing and theorizing are prevalent.

a subject of debate

Highlights the presence of differing opinions and arguments.

an open question

Suggests that the issue is unresolved and still being considered.

a point of uncertainty

Focuses on the lack of clarity and predictability.

cause for guessing

Highlights the act of making predictions without firm evidence.

a source of rumor

Implies that unverified information and hearsay are circulating.

ripe for discussion

Highlights the potential for in-depth conversation and analysis.

subject to interpretation

Highlights that different people may understand it in different ways.

under consideration

Focuses on something being reviewed but not yet decided.

FAQs

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

You can use "a topic of speculation" to indicate that something is uncertain and people are guessing about it. For example, "The CEO's sudden departure became "a topic of speculation" among the employees".

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

"A topic of discussion" implies an open conversation or debate, while ""a topic of speculation"" suggests uncertainty and guessing due to a lack of information.

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

You can use alternatives like "a matter of conjecture", "a subject of debate", or "an open question" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a topic of speculation" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a topic of speculation" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but in some cases, more precise alternatives like "matter of inquiry" or "subject of investigation" might be more appropriate.