major topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something important which a discussion centers around. For example, "Our major topic of discussion today is how to reduce pollution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Iran was a major topic of discussion.

The New Yorker

It's been a major topic of conversation.

The New York Times - Sports

A major topic at their gatherings is romance.

The New York Times - Books

"It's a major topic around here now," Mrs. Larsen said.

The New York Times

In both arenas, missile defense will be a major topic.

The New York Times

Pakistan's relations with India will also be a major topic.

The New York Times

A major topic was cheating, especially among the smarter kids.

The New York Times

The trial was a major topic of conversation in Chicago's close-knit business community.

The New Yorker

And that became the major topic of discussion in the meeting -- where it's happening, how large.

The New York Times

By the 1980's urban legends were a major topic for folklore researchers.

The New York Times - Books

It is the major topic, especially when people can't say what's really on their minds.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major topic", ensure the context clearly establishes the topic's importance. For instance, specify why it's a major topic to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "major topic" for subjects that are clearly minor or inconsequential. This can diminish the impact of the phrase and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major topic" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "major" modifies the noun "topic". It serves to identify a subject or theme as being of significant importance or prominence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major topic" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to denote a subject of significant importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency across diverse sources, including news, scientific publications, and formal documents, underscores its versatility. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure the context clearly establishes the topic's importance to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "key subject" or "primary issue" exist, "major topic" offers a balanced and widely understood way to signal a subject's significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key subject

Focuses on the essential or fundamental nature of the topic.

primary issue

Highlights the importance of the topic as a central problem or concern.

main theme

Emphasizes the recurring idea or subject that is central to a discussion or work.

central point

Stresses the topic's role as the core idea or focus of attention.

significant issue

Highlights the topic's importance and potential impact.

crucial matter

Indicates the topic is essential and requires immediate attention.

principal subject

Similar to 'key subject', but emphasizes the hierarchical importance.

foremost concern

Highlights the topic's priority and urgency.

dominant theme

Emphasizes the topic's prevalence and influence.

burning question

Conveys a sense of urgency and widespread interest in the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "major topic" in a sentence?

You can use "major topic" to introduce a subject of significant importance in a discussion or piece of writing. For example, "Climate change is a "major topic" at the conference."

What are some alternatives to "major topic"?

Alternatives include "key subject", "primary issue", or "main theme", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "major topic" or "important topic"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""major topic"" suggests a subject of greater significance or broader scope than "important topic".

What's the difference between a "major topic" and a "minor topic"?

A ""major topic"" is a central, significant subject, while a "minor topic" is a less important or secondary subject.