it was a subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a subject" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a topic or theme that was previously discussed or considered. Example: "In our last meeting, it was a subject that sparked a lot of debate among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was a subject discussed at a clinical conference a year ago and then I felt it re-emerge as I read the article, "The Caging of America", in the New Yorker (Jan . 30 , 2012by Adam Gopnik.

Huffington Post

It was a subject he knew well.

The New York Times

In any case it was a Subject.

The Guardian - Books

"It was a subject that interested them.

The Guardian - Arts

It was a subject he never mentioned.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was a subject of derision and contempt," he recalled.

The New Yorker

It was a subject Shaughnessy declined to discuss.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a subject that seemed close to Edward's heart.

The Guardian

"It was a subject that was so monstrous.

The New York Times

It was a subject that Lewis himself seemed ready to put to rest.

The New York Times

"He knew it was a subject that would resonate with me".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a subject" to introduce or re-emphasize a topic that has been or will be discussed at length. This provides context and sets expectations for the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "it was a subject". Sometimes, active voice can make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "it was a subject discussed at length", consider "we discussed the subject at length".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a subject" functions primarily as a subject complement, linking a subject ("it") to a noun phrase ("a subject") that renames or describes it. Ludwig's examples show it introducing or referring to topics of discussion, interest, or concern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a subject" is a grammatically sound and common phrase used to introduce or reference a topic, issue, or theme. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed in news and media, serving as a neutral way to set the context for further discussion. While alternatives like "it was a topic" or "it was a matter" exist, the phrase remains a straightforward and effective choice for many writing situations. To enhance writing, consider varying sentence structure to avoid overuse of passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a topic

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

it was a matter

Substitutes "subject" with "matter", focusing on the issue or concern at hand.

it was a theme

Replaces "subject" with "theme", emphasizing the underlying idea or concept.

it was an issue

Uses "issue" instead of "subject", highlighting a point of discussion or contention.

it was a point

Employs "point" instead of "subject", referring to a specific item or detail.

it was a question

Replaces "subject" with "question", focusing on an inquiry or matter to be resolved.

it was a concern

Substitutes "subject" with "concern", emphasizing worry or interest.

the subject was

Reorders the sentence to emphasize "subject" at the beginning, changing the focus slightly.

the topic was

Similar to the above, but using "topic" instead of "subject".

that was the subject

Shifts the sentence to highlight that something specific was the topic of discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a subject" in a sentence?

Use "it was a subject" to refer back to a topic already mentioned, or to introduce a new topic that requires context. For example, "The budget was a subject of much debate.".

What are some alternatives to "it was a subject"?

You can use alternatives like "it was a topic", "it was a matter", or "it was an issue" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal way to say "it was a subject"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the matter under consideration was", "the topic of discussion was", or "the aforementioned subject was".

Can "it was a subject" be used in academic writing?

Yes, "it was a subject" is acceptable in academic writing, but ensure that it fits the tone and level of formality required. More formal alternatives might be preferred in certain contexts.