introduce the topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "introduce the topic" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the act of mentioning or discussing a subject or idea in a sentence or paragraph. This can be used in various contexts, such as in an essay, a speech, or a conversation. Example: Before diving into the details of the novel, the author first introduces the topic of love and its importance in shaping the characters' actions and decisions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her mother would introduce the topic of his death immediately to anyone she met.

The New York Times - Magazine

Weeks earlier, the teacher had dipped into BBC class clips to introduce the topic.

The Guardian

But before Wilbur could introduce the topic of multiple-personality disorder, Mason changed the subject.

The New York Times - Magazine

The rules permit teachers and volunteers to answer children's questions about condoms, though not to introduce the topic.

The New York Times

"The docents will introduce the topic, asking students what they know about sculpture," said Elaine Hardie of the Sculptors Guild, a sculptor and former teacher of art teachers.

The New York Times

To begin, introduce the topic of disease tracking by leading a quick brainstorm in which students recall recent disease outbreaks they have heard about in the news.

The New York Times

With classmates, I'd awkwardly introduce the topic with invented references to a "news story" about a "town" that wanted to outlaw spanking.

The New York Times

This week on the Guardian Teacher Network we have put together a gaggle of great ideas and resources to not only introduce the topic of birds and birdwatching, but also get your whole class twitching.

The Guardian

Unable to think of more conversation — after the disclosure of the damaged husband it was too late to introduce the topic of weather — James Duke, suddenly glib, began to rattle off the details of his good fortune.

The New Yorker

To clarify speech, persons with dysarthria may learn to use letter or word boards to introduce the topic they want to talk about or to point to the initial letter of each word they say as they speak.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Barbieri et al. [16] introduce the topic-aware influence diffusion models TIC and TLT as extensions to the IC and LT models.

Computational Social Networks

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider your audience. If the topic is complex, "introduce the topic" with simple definitions or background information to ensure understanding.

Common error

Avoid starting with overly broad or generic statements when you "introduce the topic". Get to the core of the subject as quickly as possible to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "introduce the topic" functions primarily as a verb phrase serving to denote the action of presenting or bringing up a subject for consideration or discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "introduce the topic" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the action of presenting a subject for discussion. As Ludwig AI points out, it is versatile and can be used in various contexts ranging from academic papers and news articles to informal conversations. While alternatives like "present the subject" or "raise the issue" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overly broad introductions and focus on getting to the core of the subject quickly to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present the subject

Uses "present" instead of "introduce" offering a more formal tone.

broach the subject

Implies carefully raising a topic, especially a sensitive one.

raise the issue

Focuses on bringing a specific problem or matter to attention.

begin the discussion on

Specifies the start of a conversation or debate.

unveil the theme

Suggests a reveal or a formal announcement of the main theme.

kick off the discussion about

More informal, suggesting starting a conversation or discussion.

set the stage for the theme

Emphasizes preparing the audience for the topic.

open up the discussion

Focuses on initiating a more extensive discussion.

get the ball rolling on

An idiomatic way of saying to start something, often a project or discussion.

lead into the theme

Suggests a gradual transition into the main subject.

FAQs

How can I use "introduce the topic" in a sentence?

You can use "introduce the topic" to describe the act of presenting a new subject or idea. For example, "The professor will introduce the topic of quantum physics in the next lecture."

What are some alternatives to "introduce the topic"?

Alternatives include "present the subject", "broach the subject", or "raise the issue". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it better to "introduce the topic" directly or indirectly?

It depends on your audience and the nature of the topic. Sometimes it’s best to be direct, while other times an indirect approach, such as "leading into the theme", can be more effective.

What's the difference between "introduce the topic" and "address the topic"?

"Introduce the topic" means to present it for the first time, while "address the topic" implies dealing with or discussing it in detail. Addressing requires you to get deeper into subject.