broach the topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broach the topic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce or bring up a subject for discussion, often in a sensitive or delicate context. Example: "During the meeting, I decided it was time to broach the topic of budget cuts with the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My parents never broach the topic.

The New Yorker

How do you broach the topic?

Harvard Business Review

Gil Reyes, Agassi's trainer and bodyguard, won't broach the topic.

The New York Times - Sports

Now Aidala wanted to broach the topic of extortion again.

The New Yorker

And how many schools even broach the topic?

The New York Times

Q. What's the best way to broach the topic with your manager?

The New York Times

And that's before we even broach the topic of his crime bill.

The Guardian - Opinion

Keith Calder, a producer of Wingard's Blair Witch, recently took to Twitter to broach the topic.

The Guardian - Film

A week later, I approached Williams at Yankee Stadium to broach the topic again.

The New York Times - Sports

Mexico's president however said he did broach the topic and told Trump Mexico would not pay.

The Guardian

Determine how to approach your partners: who, when, how to broach the topic.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When the subject is likely to be met with resistance, prepare your talking points in advance. This ensures clarity and confidence when you "broach the topic".

Common error

Avoid using "broach the topic" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "bring up" or "mention" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broach the topic" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a subject for discussion, often one that is sensitive or difficult. It signifies the act of bringing up a subject that requires careful handling. As seen in Ludwig, it is a common phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "broach the topic" is a versatile and commonly used expression that serves to introduce subjects, especially those that are sensitive or complex. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, lending itself well to professional and neutral settings. It is worth noting that in informal contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase appears most frequently in news media and business contexts, highlighting its relevance in formal discussions. While perfectly correct, consider your audience and the situation before using "broach the topic". Choosing to instead "raise the issue", "bring up the matter", or "introduce the subject" might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise the issue

Focuses on bringing a specific problem or concern to attention.

introduce the subject

Emphasizes the act of presenting a new topic for consideration.

bring up the matter

A more general way of referring to initiating a discussion on something.

open the discussion

Implies starting a conversation, often about something complex or sensitive.

get the ball rolling

Suggests initiating something, often with the aim of encouraging further action or discussion. This is more informal.

address the question

Focuses on providing an answer or solution to an issue.

tackle the problem

Suggests a direct and forceful approach to dealing with an issue.

initiate the conversation

Emphasizes the beginning of a dialogue or discussion.

get down to business

Implies starting to discuss something important or practical, often after a period of less serious conversation.

embark on the subject

Suggests a more involved or extensive discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "broach the topic" in a sentence?

You can use "broach the topic" to introduce a sensitive or important subject for discussion. For instance, "I need to broach the topic of budget cuts with the team".

What can I say instead of "broach the topic"?

Alternatives to "broach the topic" include "raise the issue", "bring up the matter", or "introduce the subject", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "broach the topic"?

"Broach the topic" is appropriate when initiating a discussion on a sensitive, complex, or important subject. It's often used in formal or professional settings.

Is "broach the topic" formal or informal?

"Broach the topic" is generally considered more formal. In informal situations, simpler phrases like "bring up" or "mention" might be more suitable.