critical subject

USAGE SUMMARY

"critical subject" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrase used to refer to a topic or subject that people have strong feelings or opinions about. For example: "The environment is a critical subject that needs to be discussed more often in our classrooms and in society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But economic growth is a critical subject for anyone who worries about the environment.

The New Yorker

'Housing' is a basic human necessity and has always been a critical subject of discussion around the world.

Columbia University

Chekhov, with his reputation for plainness and candor, is an ideal critical subject for her precisely because he seems, at first glance, not to be.

The New York Times - Books

But they also argue that the Congressional bill imposing the Army's methods would make bad policy in the long run by stifling creativity and deterring serious study of a critical subject.

The New York Times

"We have been waiting for the opportunity to share our reporting on this critical subject with the American public," Andrew Heyward, the new president of CBS News, said last night in an official statement.

The New York Times

In a classified briefing paper seen by the Guardian, Gen Rollo last month addressed senior serving and retired officers on what he called the "difficult but critical subject of reputation".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Detectives were tight-lipped about critical subjects, including the possible motive for the attacks.

The New York Times

Within this collaborative human robot interaction paradigm, safety is one of most critical subjects.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Harvard Divinity School's dedicated centers and programs advance critical subjects in religious literacy, international study, women and religion, and other areas.

Harvard University

These cities become critical subjects, not as a process of accelerated urbanisation, but examples of a radically different way of being in the city.

The Guardian - Tech

Turbulent flow over a porous medium has been one of the most critical subjects in numerous environmental and engineering studies.

International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critical subject", ensure the context clearly indicates why the subject is considered critical. Provide supporting details or evidence to reinforce its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "critical subject" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify why the subject is critical—e.g., "a critical subject for national security" rather than just "a critical subject".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical subject" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "critical" modifies the noun "subject". It's used to denote a topic or issue of significant importance. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "critical subject" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a topic of significant importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the necessity of a particular issue. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using "critical subject", ensure that the context clarifies why the subject is critical. Alternatives such as "essential topic" or "vital issue" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential topic

Replaces "critical" with "essential", emphasizing necessity.

vital issue

Substitutes both "critical" and "subject" with synonyms that highlight importance and concern.

important matter

Replaces "critical" with "important" and "subject" with "matter", providing a more general alternative.

key area

Offers a broader term for "subject", suitable when discussing a general field.

crucial theme

Emphasizes the significance of the topic, focusing on underlying ideas.

significant aspect

Highlights a particular part of a larger issue.

pressing concern

Focuses on the urgency and importance of the issue.

pivotal point

Emphasizes the turning or deciding nature of the subject.

fundamental question

Highlights the basic, underlying nature of the subject.

serious problem

Shifts the focus to a problematic aspect of the subject.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "critical subject" in a sentence?

To effectively use "critical subject", ensure you provide context about why the subject is important. For example, "Climate change is a "critical subject" that requires immediate attention" clarifies its significance.

What are some alternatives to "critical subject"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "essential topic", "vital issue", or "important matter" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "critical subject" in formal writing?

Yes, "critical subject" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where emphasis on importance is necessary. Just be sure to justify why the subject is critical.

How does "critical subject" differ from "important subject"?

"Critical subject" implies a higher degree of urgency or necessity compared to "important subject". While both indicate significance, "critical subject" suggests that the matter is crucial and requires immediate attention or action.