ostensible subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ostensible subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or theme that appears to be the main focus but may not be the true or underlying subject. Example: "In the debate, the ostensible subject was climate change, but the real issue was economic policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These poems subsume their ostensible subject into a philosophical meditation on the decay of the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At times that research took him far afield of his ostensible subject.

The New York Times

Korean calligraphy is the ostensible subject of "In a Gentleman's Study: Korean Calligraphy and Scholarly Pursuits".

The New York Times

This is known as the "Joan letter," because its ostensible subject is a girlfriend of Cassady's named Joan Anderson.

The New Yorker

The ostensible subject is the mechanics of quantum entanglement; the actual subject is the entanglement of its observers.

The New Yorker

One of the striking things about The Violet Hour is the frequency with which it veers from its ostensible subject.

The Guardian - Books

Today, the piece remains a flawed and fascinating oddity, perhaps more revealing of its creator than of its ostensible subject.

The Guardian

In fact, Mr. Wells's observations are as much about color as they are about his ostensible subject matter.

The New York Times

Ingmar Bergman's work was often erotic, even, or especially, when sex was not the ostensible subject matter.

The Guardian - Film

It focuses attention as much on how we experience projected moving imagery and puzzle together narrative in our own minds as it does on its ostensible subject matter.

The New York Times - Arts

Neither said a word about middle-class tax cuts — the ostensible subject of the meeting — until after the reporters had been ushered out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostensible subject" to clearly distinguish between the apparent topic and the underlying or real theme, especially when analyzing complex texts or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "ostensible subject" when you mean the actual subject. The term implies that the stated subject may not be the true or primary focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostensible subject" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It identifies the topic or theme that is outwardly presented, often implying a contrast with a deeper, less obvious underlying subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ostensible subject" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase employed to differentiate between the apparent and actual topics in various forms of communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. When employing this phrase, ensure that you are accurately conveying the distinction between the surface-level topic and the deeper, underlying theme. Alternatives such as "apparent topic" or "stated subject" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember that misusing it may cause confusion, so always confirm that the ostensible subject is indeed different from the actual subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparent topic

Focuses on what seems to be the topic at first glance.

stated subject

Emphasizes the subject that is explicitly declared.

professed theme

Highlights the theme that is openly acknowledged or claimed.

purported topic

Suggests a topic that is presented as the main focus, possibly with underlying doubts.

surface subject

Indicates the subject visible on the surface, implying deeper layers.

outward theme

Refers to the theme that is outwardly presented or visible.

present topic

Emphasizes the topic being currently discussed or shown.

nominated subject

Suggests the subject that has been formally chosen or designated.

declared topic

Indicates a topic that has been officially announced or stated.

represented subject

Refers to the subject as it is depicted or portrayed.

FAQs

How to use "ostensible subject" in a sentence?

You can use "ostensible subject" to indicate the apparent or surface topic of discussion, which may differ from the actual or underlying theme. For instance, "The "ostensible subject" of the meeting was budget cuts, but the real agenda was restructuring the department."

What can I say instead of "ostensible subject"?

You can use alternatives like "apparent topic", "stated subject", or "professed theme" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "ostensible subject matter"?

Yes, "ostensible subject matter" is a correct and acceptable variation of "ostensible subject". It emphasizes the content or material that is the apparent focus.

What is the difference between "ostensible subject" and "actual subject"?

The ""ostensible subject"" is what appears to be the main topic, while the "actual subject" is the real or underlying topic that may not be immediately obvious. The former is often a facade for the latter.