legitimate subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate subject" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a topic or issue that is valid, appropriate, or worthy of discussion or consideration. Example: "The debate over climate change is a legitimate subject that deserves our attention and action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

She was a legitimate subject of journalistic inquiry.

Independent

The private lives of public figures are a legitimate subject of information.

The New York Times

The land and daily life of Latin America were thus increasingly becoming legitimate subject matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He argued that the Russians were trying to shut down a legitimate subject for public debate.

The Guardian

"Dylan most certainly is a legitimate subject for academics to be studying," he said.

The Guardian

If your answer is no, stem cells are a perfectly legitimate subject for study.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

All these are legitimate subjects.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are not legitimate subjects of trade and commerce.

Cornell University

As such, they are legitimate subjects of copyright.

Harvard University

Some features of the new dictionary were legitimate subjects of debate.

The New York Times - Books

Energy companies are despoiling the planet.All these industries are, of course, legitimate subjects for criticism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "legitimate subject", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the subject is considered valid or appropriate for discussion. Providing supporting reasoning can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "legitimate subject" as a generic filler. Always specify why the subject warrants attention or scrutiny, rather than simply stating its legitimacy without explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate subject" functions as a noun phrase where "legitimate" modifies the noun "subject". It indicates that the subject is valid, appropriate, or worthy of consideration. Ludwig AI shows consistent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legitimate subject" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression used to describe a topic that is valid, appropriate, and worthy of consideration. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedias, indicating its suitability for formal discourse. While synonymous alternatives like "valid topic" and "appropriate issue" exist, "legitimate subject" carries a certain weight that reinforces the seriousness and importance of the topic at hand. Remember to always provide clear context when using this phrase to maximize its impact and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid topic

Focuses on the topic being sound and well-founded.

acceptable matter

Emphasizes the acceptability or permissibility of the subject.

appropriate issue

Highlights the suitability and relevance of the issue.

justifiable theme

Stresses the defensibility and reasonableness of the theme.

proper area

Indicates that the area or field is correct and suitable for discussion.

relevant point

Focuses on the pertinence and significance of the point.

permissible subject

Emphasizes that the subject is allowed or permitted.

suitable question

Highlights that the question is fitting and appropriate.

authorized topic

Indicates that the topic has been officially sanctioned or approved.

defensible issue

Stresses that the issue can be justified and defended.

FAQs

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

Use "legitimate subject" to indicate that a topic is valid, appropriate, or worthy of discussion. For example, "The environmental impact of industrial waste is a "legitimate subject" for investigation."

What can I say instead of "legitimate subject"?

You can use alternatives like "valid topic", "appropriate issue", or "justifiable theme" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "legitimate subject" or "legitimate topic"?

Both "legitimate subject" and "legitimate topic" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to emphasize. "Legitimate subject" might be broader, while "legitimate topic" directly refers to the matter under discussion.

In what contexts is "legitimate subject" most frequently used?

"Legitimate subject" is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and encyclopedic entries when discussing topics that are worthy of debate, scrutiny, or scholarly attention. It highlights the validity and importance of the issue at hand.