on what topic

USAGE SUMMARY

"on what topic" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone about the subject of a particular conversation, discussion, article, etc. For example, you might say, "We've been talking for a while now, can you tell me on what topic this discussion is focused?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Top officials, from cabinet members on down, were often told when they would speak in Bush's presence, for how long and on what topic.

The New York Times - Magazine

I want them to chose something they care deeply about, and I told them there were no parameters on what topic they could pick.

Vice

This must be the first step in writing your paper and your thesis statement because all direction of the paper will depend on what topic you are writing about.

WikiHow

On WHAT topic ("one of the most important social controversies of the day") has the Supreme Court recently agreed to hear cases?

The New York Times

On WHAT topic would you like to see Mr. Gorman create a ScienceTake video?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

On what topics is John Paul described as being a "divisive, polarizing figure"?

The New York Times

She wants to write more books, she said, though she would not say on what topics.

The New York Times - Books

Who would you like to see write for us and on what topics?

The Guardian

Likewise, in an e-mail to supporters last week, he touched on what topics he might tackle as mayor only in passing, saying, "We can recycle better and commute better".

The New York Times

There was so much infighting about whether to have such a rally, who would speak, in what order and on what topics that Mr. Svilanovic said the other day that he was "ashamed" of the opposition.

The New York Times

It isn't simply based on what topics you start and add to.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking a question, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity about "on what topic" you are inquiring. For example, "The presentation was engaging, but on what topic was it focused?"

Common error

Avoid using "on what topic" without a clear antecedent. Instead of saying, "On what topic are we meeting?", provide context: "Regarding the project proposal, on what topic are we meeting?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on what topic" primarily functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase. It is used to seek information about the subject of a discussion, presentation, document or any form of communication. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on what topic" is a grammatically correct interrogative prepositional phrase used to inquire about a specific subject. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it is relatively rare in occurrence, particularly in academic or encyclopedic contexts. It's most frequently found in news, media, and scientific sources. When using "on what topic", it's important to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "regarding which subject" or "concerning what matter" for more formal settings. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and appropriate usage in eliciting specific information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on what subject matter

Adds formality by including "subject matter".

regarding what theme or subject

Combines theme and subject, offering a broad scope.

regarding which subject

Emphasizes the subject matter under consideration; more formal.

concerning what matter

Highlights the importance or relevance of the issue.

about which issue

Focuses on a specific problem or point of contention.

on what area of interest

Highlights the interest or concern that the topic addresses.

with respect to what theme

More formal and emphasizes a particular theme.

pertaining to what question

Highlights the inquiry aspect of the topic.

in reference to what area

Implies a specific field or scope of discussion.

relative to which point

Focuses on a specific detail within a broader discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "on what topic" in a sentence?

You can use "on what topic" to inquire about the subject of a discussion, presentation, or written work. For example: "The email was vague; on what topic should I prepare?". Alternatively, you could use "regarding which subject".

What is a more formal alternative to "on what topic"?

A more formal alternative is "regarding which subject". For instance, instead of "On what topic will the speaker focus?", you could say "Regarding which subject will the speaker focus?". Other options include "concerning what matter" or "on what subject matter".

Which is correct: "on what topic" or "about what topic"?

Both "on what topic" and "about what topic" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "on what topic" may sound slightly more formal. For example, "On what topic is the research paper?" is similar to "About what topic is the research paper?". You may also consider "about which issue".

How does "on what topic" differ from "what is the topic"?

"On what topic" is typically used to inquire within a specific context, while "what is the topic" is a more general inquiry. For example, "Given our previous conversation, on what topic are we now focusing?" implies a continuation or shift in subject. A direct question could be: "what is the topic"?