common topic

USAGE SUMMARY

"common topic" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a subject or theme that is frequently discussed or widely known among a group of people. One example of using "common topic" in a sentence is: "The common topic of conversation at the dinner party was the upcoming election." This implies that the guests were discussing the election because it is a widely known and frequently discussed subject. Another example could be: "The author's books often explore the common topics of love and loss." This suggests that the author's writing often touches upon the commonly experienced themes of love and loss.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a common topic.

The New York Times - Sports

Drugs, too, are a common topic.

The New Yorker

"It's a common topic at cocktail parties," she said.

The New York Times

Racism is a common topic in the mainstream media.

The Washington Post

Not long ago, cooking was a common topic.

The New York Times

The Path Planning problem is a common topic for Robotics and Computational Geometry.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Among many young Americans, the China exit strategy is a common topic of conversation.

The New York Times

Strange, then, that equal pay isn't a more common topic of ordinary political conversation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

3. Prepare an outline and script for a cooking program based on a common topic.

The New York Times

National unity is another common topic - and there is no Simon Cowell-style humiliation.

The Guardian - Film

Philip's absolute dependence on her was a common topic of conversation among their friends.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "common topic" in writing, ensure the context clarifies who finds the topic common. Specifying the group or community for whom the topic is common enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming a topic is universally common. What's a "common topic" in one group might be completely unknown in another. Always consider your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common topic" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, identifying a subject or theme that is frequently discussed or widely recognized. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common topic" is a frequently used noun phrase that identifies subjects widely discussed across various domains. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is prevalent in news, scientific discourse, and formal business communications. To ensure clarity, specify the group for whom the topic is common. When using alternatives such as "frequent subject" or "popular subject", consider the nuances they bring to the context. Avoid assuming universal commonality, as subjects relevant to one group may not be to another.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequent subject

Replaces "topic" with "subject" and "common" with "frequent", emphasizing how often something is discussed.

recurring theme

Substitutes "topic" with "theme" and "common" with "recurring", highlighting the repetitive nature of the subject.

popular subject

Changes "common" to "popular", suggesting widespread interest in the subject.

prevailing issue

Replaces "topic" with "issue" and "common" with "prevailing", indicating a widespread and current problem.

general theme

Replaces "topic" with "theme" and "common" with "general", emphasizing that the theme is widespread.

usual subject

Changes "common" to "usual", focusing on the typicality of the subject.

typical issue

Replaces "topic" with "issue" and "common" with "typical", suggesting the issue is representative.

shared concern

Replaces the words of the query, yet still describes a subject of discussion, with implication of worry.

familiar subject

Changes "common" to "familiar", indicating the topic is well-known.

widely discussed matter

Emphasizes the broad discussion surrounding the subject, replacing both "common" and "topic" with more descriptive words.

FAQs

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

You can use "common topic" to describe a subject frequently discussed. For example, "The weather is a "common topic" of conversation among strangers".

What's a less formal way to say "common topic"?

Less formal alternatives include "popular subject" or "general theme", depending on the context.

What are some related phrases to "common topic" that emphasize the frequency of discussion?

Phrases like "frequent subject" or "recurring theme" highlight the repeated nature of the discussion.

Is it correct to use "common topic" in academic writing?

Yes, "common topic" is suitable for academic writing, but consider more precise alternatives like "prevailing issue" if you want to emphasize the significance or urgency of the subject.