its subject

USAGE SUMMARY

"its subject" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a pronoun that is used to refer to a previously mentioned noun or noun phrase. For example: The novel is filled with suspense and its subject is the pursuit of justice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As always, it compromised its subject.

The New Yorker

Still, given its subject, it was severe, and touching.

The New Yorker

It short-changes its subject.

The Guardian - Arts

It seemed to linger over its subject.

Independent

It's beautifully shot and its subject matter is gayboy cruising.

The Guardian - Film

It does not seek to heroicise its subject.

Independent

It's a film with a double perspective on its subject.

Independent

Its subject?

The New York Times - Books

But its subject is eternal.

The New York Times

Its subject - "St.

The New York Times - Arts

describes its subject.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex topics, clearly define "its subject" early on to avoid ambiguity. This ensures the reader understands the core focus of your discussion.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by ensuring that "its subject" has a clear and immediate antecedent. Without a specific reference, the phrase can become confusing and weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "its subject" functions as a noun phrase, where 'its' is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun 'subject'. It identifies the topic or theme being discussed. Ludwig shows numerous examples in which this phrase is used to clearly define the focus of a particular work or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "its subject" is a versatile phrase used to denote the primary topic or theme of something, and Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It's important to ensure the antecedent of "its" is clear to avoid ambiguity. While appropriate for various registers, it's most commonly found in news and media. Alternative phrases like "the topic at hand" or "the theme explored" can be used for variety. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively use "its subject" to enhance the clarity and focus of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the topic at hand

Replaces the possessive pronoun with a more descriptive noun phrase.

the matter in question

Substitutes "subject" with "matter" and uses a prepositional phrase for specification.

the theme explored

Replaces "subject" with "theme" and uses a past participle to add context.

the central focus

Emphasizes the core element with "central focus" instead of a direct subject.

the main point

Simplifies the phrase to indicate the primary idea being discussed.

the issue addressed

Replaces "subject" with "issue" and uses a passive verb to highlight the action.

the focus of attention

Uses a more elaborate noun phrase to describe what is being highlighted.

the object of study

Applicable in academic contexts, replacing "subject" with "object of study".

the item under consideration

Formally indicates the topic being actively thought about or evaluated.

the content discussed

Broadly refers to the material being talked about or analyzed.

FAQs

How can I use "its subject" in a sentence?

"Its subject" refers to the topic or theme that something is about. For example, "The film is compelling, and its subject is the impact of war on families."

What phrases are similar to "its subject"?

Alternatives include "the topic at hand", "the theme explored", or "the central focus". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "its subject matter" instead of "its subject"?

Yes, "its subject matter" is often interchangeable with "its subject", though it emphasizes the material or content being discussed. For instance, "Its subject matter is quite complex."

How do I ensure clarity when using "its subject" in my writing?

Make sure that the noun or idea "its" refers to is clear and unambiguous in the preceding sentence or paragraph. This prevents confusion and ensures your reader understands the reference.