as a talking point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a talking point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a subject or issue that is intended to provoke discussion or debate. Example: "The recent policy changes have become a significant talking point among community leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a talking point, it has its limits.

The New York Times

Among prisoners I used my Englishness as a talking point.

The Guardian

It should be dropped as a talking point even before the fiscal year is completed.

The Washington Post

The adoption issue is frequently used as a talking point by opponents of the Magnitsky Act, Browder said.

The Washington Post

As voters worry about threats to healthcare, Republicans have been struggling to capitalise on the economy as a talking point.

The Guardian

And so, Rosen concedes that there have been some major positives to "bro-country" as a talking point.

The Guardian - Music

Pretty soon, the phrase has gone viral, popping up as a talking point in the corridors of Congress and on cable news.

The New York Times

Another source said Osborne was fully supportive of David Cameron's stance and had raised the issue of earlier withdrawal as a talking point.

The Guardian

We refuse to sit back and be co-opted as a talking point for a profiteer who has traded away our future for his own personal gain.

The Guardian - Business

I handed him my set of documents, and directed him to the Summary of Raptor Oddities document as a talking point.

The New York Times

He uses its pivotal location, within walking distance of Little Rock's hotels, restaurants, malls and expanded convention center, as a talking point with donors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a talking point", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject is being used to initiate or sustain discussion, particularly in persuasive or argumentative settings.

Common error

Avoid using "as a talking point" when the intention is simply to introduce a topic without the specific aim of generating debate or discussion; instead, opt for phrases like "as a key aspect" or "as a relevant detail".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a talking point" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the purpose or intent behind mentioning a particular subject. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts like politics, business, and general discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a talking point" is a common phrase used to describe a subject or issue that is deliberately employed to initiate or sustain discussion, often with a persuasive intent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for neutral and professional registers, it's essential to ensure that its use aligns with the intention of stimulating conversation rather than merely introducing a topic. Related phrases, such as "as a point of discussion" or "as a subject of debate", offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to use this phrase strategically to enhance your communication effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a point of discussion

Emphasizes the aspect of discussion rather than debate.

as a subject of debate

Highlights the debatable nature of the topic.

as a topic for conversation

Focuses on informal conversation rather than formal debate.

as an issue for consideration

Suggests a more thoughtful and deliberate examination.

as a matter of contention

Implies a stronger disagreement or dispute.

as a promotional angle

Focuses on how it can be used for marketing and promotion.

as a recurring theme

Highlights the repetitive or persistent nature of the topic.

as an element of propaganda

Emphasizes use in persuasion and public opinion manipulation.

as a political football

Highlights its use in contentious political scenarios.

as a central argument

Emphasizes its role as a key point in a debate or discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "as a talking point" in a sentence?

You can use "as a talking point" to indicate that something is being used to stimulate discussion or debate, such as, "The politician used the economic data "as a talking point" during the campaign."

What can I say instead of "as a talking point"?

You can use alternatives like "as a point of discussion", "as a subject of debate", or "as a topic for conversation" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "as a talking point" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a talking point" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing political or social issues where the intention is to highlight a subject's role in sparking conversation or argument. However, consider the specific audience and purpose to ensure it fits the overall tone.

What's the difference between "as a talking point" and "as a recurring theme"?

"As a talking point" indicates something used to initiate discussion, while "as a recurring theme" refers to a subject that appears repeatedly over time. A recurring theme may become a talking point, but not all talking points are recurring themes.