address a subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "address a subject" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing or dealing with a particular topic or issue in a conversation, essay, or presentation. Example: "In today's meeting, we will address a subject that has been a concern for many of our team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Together they address a subject is at once oceanic and amorphous: "American identity," which in this case encompasses ethnicity and sexuality, but primarily race.

The New York Times - Arts

Unlike Paisley, LL Cool J has never been much of a provocateur, and perhaps he wasn't the right rapper to address a subject as ticklish as this.

The New Yorker

He's a busy guy, but not too busy to address a subject he usually avoids: Mr. Giuliani's plot to take La Guardia and Kennedy Airports away from his agency, which manages them.

The New York Times

As she writes in English and lives between the two cultures, she might just have the distance to address a subject that has been all but neglected by central European novelists: German war guilt.

The Guardian - Books

Yet far from being a "technical" triumph, the claustrophobic aesthetic that Nemes employs has a powerful moral raison d'etre, seemingly born out of a desire to address a subject that arguably has no place in dramatic cinema.

The Guardian - Film

"Children of Hiroshima" is of interest partly because it is among the first films to address a subject that would preoccupy, both directly and obliquely, so much of postwar Japanese cinema.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

She has addressed a subject that most other people would never touch.

The New Yorker

One of five commercials in a campaign that started this week addresses a subject rarely discussed in ads until now.

The New York Times

Even more remarkable, the son now addresses a subject he has scarcely touched on before: Olive Moore Cornwell, aka "Wiggly".

The Guardian - Books

But Mr. Singer also addressed a subject on many investors' minds: whether returns fall as hedge funds grow larger.

The New York Times

In A Free State by VS Naipaul Naipaul's masterpiece addresses a subject too enormous to encompass in a single unified narrative.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "address a subject" when you want to convey that you are directly dealing with or discussing a specific topic, especially when it involves complexity or sensitivity.

Common error

Avoid replacing "subject" with overly vague terms like "thing" or "area." Using more specific language clarifies the focus of your discussion. Instead of saying 'We need to address this thing,' specify the exact subject: 'We need to address the budget deficit'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "address a subject" functions as a verb phrase, where "address" acts as a transitive verb taking "a subject" as its direct object. It indicates the action of dealing with or discussing a particular topic, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "address a subject" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for indicating that a specific topic is being dealt with or discussed. According to Ludwig, the phrase enjoys a neutral register, making it suitable for various formal and informal contexts. Its primary function is to introduce a topic for further analysis, and it is commonly found in news, media, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject is clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "tackle a topic" or "examine an issue" can be used for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tackle a topic

Focuses on actively dealing with a topic.

discuss a matter

Emphasizes the act of talking about a subject.

examine an issue

Highlights a detailed inspection of a problem.

investigate a problem

Focuses on discovering information about a problem.

consider a theme

Suggests thoughtful contemplation of a central idea.

delve into a theme

Emphasizes a deep and thorough exploration of a theme.

cover a point

Implies including something within a discussion or presentation.

speak to a concern

Indicates directly addressing a worry or issue.

explore an area

Indicates a broad investigation of a field.

analyze a question

Stresses a detailed study of an inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "address a subject" in a sentence?

You can use "address a subject" to indicate that you are directly dealing with a specific topic. For example: "The lecture will "address a subject" of great importance to the community."

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

You can use alternatives like "tackle a topic", "discuss a matter", or "examine an issue" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "address a subject" or "address to a subject"?

"Address a subject" is correct. "Address to a subject" is not a standard English construction and should be avoided. Use "address a subject" to indicate that you are dealing with a topic.

What's the difference between "address a subject" and "cover a topic"?

"Address a subject" implies a more direct and potentially in-depth approach to a topic. "Cover a topic" suggests a broader overview, without necessarily going into deep detail.