by topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing content that is organized according to its subject or theme. For example, "This course covers a range of topics, organized by topic so you can easily find the information you need."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Subscribe to feeds by topic.

The New York Times

Annotated bibliography organized by topic.

Stanford University

See all problems by topic.

Princeton University

Prerequisites may vary by topic.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You may then narrow down by Topic.

Harvard University

The material is organized by topic (module).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Browse solutions by topic to the left.

Harvard University

Teachers can search by topic, subject and age range.

The Guardian

Then you can create a search by topic.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Search Our Archive By topic, author or date.

Forbes

You can browse by topic/department or search by keyword.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by topic" to guide readers in navigating large amounts of information, such as in indexes, tables of contents, or website menus.

Common error

Avoid mixing broad and narrow topics within the same organizational structure. For instance, don't list "environmental issues", "water pollution", and "recycling" at the same level. "Water pollution" and "recycling" are subtopics of "environmental issues".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by topic" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb to indicate the criteria or method of organization, arrangement, or classification. Ludwig's examples clearly show its role in specifying how information is structured.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

41%

News & Media

31%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by topic" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that information is organized according to subject matter. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across academic, news, and scientific contexts. To ensure clarity, always define topic scopes and avoid mixing levels. Consider alternatives like "categorized by subject" for variety. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively use "by topic" to structure and navigate information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

categorized by subject

Replaces "topic" with "subject", a direct synonym, maintaining the same structure and meaning.

sorted by subject

Substitutes "topic" with "subject" and "by" with "sorted", emphasizing the arrangement.

organized according to topic

Adds "according to" for a more formal tone.

arranged by theme

Uses "theme" instead of "topic", which can be more appropriate depending on the context.

structured by subject

Focuses on the framework or layout determined by the subject.

grouped by subject matter

Expands the phrase to emphasize the content being grouped, adding a descriptive layer.

divided by theme

Emphasizes the act of splitting into groups based on the central idea.

classified by category

Emphasizes a formal system of classification.

indexed by subject

Highlights that the organization is for quick retrieval or reference.

sectioned by area

Suggests a division into distinct fields or domains.

FAQs

How can I use "by topic" in a sentence?

You can use "by topic" to describe how information is organized. For example, "The reports are filed "categorized by topic" for easy retrieval".

What are some alternatives to saying "by topic"?

Alternatives include phrases like "categorized by subject", "arranged by theme", or "sorted by subject", which all suggest organization based on subject matter.

Is it correct to say "organized by topics" instead of "by topic"?

While "organized by topics" isn't grammatically incorrect, "by topic" is more concise and commonly used. "Organized "by topic"" implies a singular, overarching theme guiding the arrangement.

What's the difference between "by topic" and "on the topic of"?

"By topic" refers to the method of organization, while "on the topic of" introduces the subject being discussed. For instance, you might organize a conference "by topic", with several sessions "on the topic of" climate change.