going off topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going off topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a conversation or text that has strayed from the main subject or theme. Example: "During the meeting, several participants started going off topic, discussing unrelated personal experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

_ Forgive me for going off topic.

The New Yorker

Forgive me for going off topic.

The New Yorker

Try to keep the questions relevant to the role you are applying for to avoid going off topic.

The Guardian

As it became clear that Davis might talk long enough to end the session, Republicans in the chamber began raising objections, contending that she had forfeited the right to continue speaking by going off topic when she mentioned a Planned Parenthood budget and a Texas sonogram law; they even protested that a colleague had helped her into a back brace.

The New Yorker

In early June, a little-known adviser to Donald Trump stunned a gathering of high-powered Washington foreign policy experts meeting with the visiting prime minister of India, going off topic with effusive praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump.

The Washington Post

As Slack CTO and co-founder Cal Henderson noted at TechCrunch Disrupt Berlin today, we still have to figure out how Slack can fit into many a company's culture and how to keep Slack discussions from going off topic despite the existence of GIFs and emoji.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

She's gone off topic, she says.

The Guardian - Film

President Trump, when given the chance to tout his party's tax law, has repeatedly gone off topic, including on Saturday when he traveled to Cleveland for a tax roundtable.

The Washington Post

The crowd was reasonably quiet until Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst ruled that Davis had to sit down because she had gone off topic by referencing a state law requiring that women who want abortions must show up a day earlier for an ultrasound.

The New York Times

Whenever a conversation goes off topic, the raccoon means that it's time to take that conversation into a different channel (or maybe offline).

TechCrunch

I feel like this rant has gone off topic, somewhat, but it's something I've been thinking about these past few weeks.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In meetings or formal discussions, use phrases like "Let's get back on track" or "To bring us back to the main point..." to diplomatically steer the conversation away from instances of "going off topic".

Common error

Be careful not to label something as "going off topic" simply because you deem it irrelevant. An idea might seem unrelated at first, but it could potentially offer a fresh perspective or a novel solution. Ensure it truly deviates from the central theme before correcting it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going off topic" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a departure from the main subject or theme. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going off topic" is a valid and commonly used phrase indicating a deviation from the main subject. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. While most frequent in News & Media, it is also found in Wiki and Science contexts. To maintain focus, use strategies to redirect discussions when instances of "going off topic" occur. Be mindful to distinguish genuine topic deviations from potentially relevant, albeit initially unrelated, ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting sidetracked

Suggests being diverted by something unrelated.

getting off track

Suggests losing the intended direction of the discussion.

wandering off-topic

Emphasizes aimless or unintentional deviation.

straying from the point

Focuses on the act of moving away from the central idea.

deviating from the subject

Highlights a formal divergence from the original topic.

straying from the subject matter

Emphasizes that the central subject is the one being deviated from.

digressing

Implies a temporary departure from the main subject.

veering off course

Indicates a sudden deviation from the expected path of conversation.

losing focus

Implies a reduced ability to concentrate on the main subject.

changing the subject

Highlights a deliberate shift to a different topic.

FAQs

What does "going off topic" mean?

The phrase "going off topic" means deviating from the main subject or point of discussion. It implies that a conversation, presentation, or piece of writing has strayed away from its intended focus.

How can I prevent a conversation from "going off topic"?

To prevent a conversation from "going off topic", try setting a clear agenda, gently redirecting the discussion back to the main points, and summarizing key information regularly.

What can I say instead of "going off topic"?

You can use alternatives like "digressing", "straying from the point", or "getting sidetracked" depending on the context.

Is it always bad to "go off topic"?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, "going off topic" can lead to creative ideas or unexpected connections. However, in formal settings, it's usually best to stay focused on the main subject to ensure efficiency and clarity.