broaching this subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broaching this subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing or bringing up a topic for discussion, often one that may be sensitive or difficult to address. Example: "I appreciate your willingness to listen, as I feel it's important to start broaching this subject with you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some respondents argued that by broaching this subject, we were denouncing natural male behavior or unfairly demonizing all men.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Medvedev was not the first to broach this subject.

The New York Times

Are they so much in the tank for Obama that they won't broach this subject?

The New Yorker

You may even be waiting for your doctor to broach this subject with you and lead the way.

Stanford University

Of course, this is speculative on my part, and in any case it's very hard to say how a rival campaign could broach this subject.

The Guardian

But people around me, my cinematographer and my producers, did worry because no film in the last few years has attempted to broach this subject.

The New York Times

It is not the first time that Roth, who Ascher describes as 'an avowed atheist but utterly, inescapably Jewish', has broached this subject, but it is the first time he has tackled it head on.

The Guardian - Books

If you're unsure how to broach this subject with your spouse suggest taking an online "money personality" quiz.

Forbes

Before the film's release, we broached this subject with "Gravity" director Alfonso Cuarón and asked him how it would differ from what we see in his film.

Huffington Post

If she had broached this subject with Obama, it is quite certain his response would have been along the lines of fuggedaboutit.

Huffington Post

Out of a total of 37 UAs, 33 broached this subject (Table  1a).

BMC Medical Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broaching this subject" when you want to carefully introduce a sensitive or complex topic. Be mindful of your audience and the context in which you are speaking or writing.

Common error

Don't use "broaching this subject" in overly casual contexts where simpler alternatives like "bringing this up" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broaching this subject" functions as a verb phrase introducing a topic for discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English, indicating its grammatical acceptability. Examples show it used to introduce potentially sensitive topics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broaching this subject" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to introduce a topic, particularly one that may be sensitive or complex. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English. The analysis reveals its common usage in news, media, science and academia and its main function is to initiate discussion in a professional or measured tone. When using this phrase, consider simpler alternatives like "raising this issue" or "bringing up this subject" for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bringing up this subject

A more informal way of saying "broaching this subject", implying initiation of a conversation.

raising this issue

Emphasizes the act of bringing up a problem or point for discussion.

addressing this matter

Suggests a more formal and direct approach to dealing with a specific concern.

getting into this topic

Suggests a deeper, more involved discussion of a subject.

introducing this topic

Focuses on the act of presenting a new subject for consideration.

referring to this matter

Directly pointing out a specific issue or topic.

mentioning this point

Indicates a brief or casual reference to a specific detail.

opening up this topic

Suggests creating an environment for open discussion about a particular issue.

touching on this issue

Implies a brief or superficial examination of a subject.

alluding to this subject

Indirectly suggesting or hinting at a topic.

FAQs

What does "broaching this subject" mean?

The phrase "broaching this subject" means introducing or bringing up a topic, often one that might be sensitive or difficult to discuss.

How can I use "broaching this subject" in a sentence?

You might say, "I appreciate your willingness to listen, as I feel it's important to start "broaching this subject" with you." Consider alternatives like "raising this issue" or "introducing this topic".

What are some alternatives to "broaching this subject"?

Alternatives include "raising this issue", "addressing this matter", "introducing this topic", or "bringing up this subject".

When is it appropriate to use "broaching this subject"?

It's appropriate when you need to introduce a potentially delicate or complex issue that requires careful consideration and tact. It's often used in more formal or serious contexts.