raise a topic

USAGE SUMMARY

"raise a topic" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to bring up an issue or introduce a conversation about something. For example, "I'd like to raise a topic for discussion: Should we order pizza for lunch today?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Yet to raise a topic as potentially painful as her appearance felt too intimate -- as if I needed to get to know her better.

The New York Times - Magazine

By the way - while I am panting - the Concise Oxford Dictionary says, very mildly, that the expression "start a hare" means "raise a topic of conversation"; but Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (revised edition, 1981) comes closer to the real meaning, in my opinion, by adding the usually relevant word "irrelevant" to the definition.

The Guardian - Books

Using open space technology – a technique that allows a self-selecting group of people to take ownership of an event and determine its course and content – anyone can raise a topic or question to be discussed by an interested subset of the whole group.

The Guardian

When two friends have coffee together, one might raise a topic to gauge the other person's interest in further discussion.

TechCrunch

There was no significant association between whether or not a patient took the initiative to raise a topic and patient's gender, age or education level, or being accompanied during the consultation.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This was the first time he had raised a topic on which there was a range of opinion.

Harvard Business Review

"The government thinks that by raising a topic popular with the classic Russian Westernizing liberal, it can split the opposition," he said in an interview.

The New York Times

So when President Obama called Representative Obey recently to talk about Afghanistan, the congressman raised a topic sure to make the young commander in chief uncomfortable: Vietnam.

The New York Times

It's when the leader raises a topic for group discussion and the team works together – and sees each other as sources of advice – to unearth information and viewpoints, and to generate fresh ideas in response to business challenges.

Harvard Business Review

Follow Sulome Anderson on Thetter, and check out her new book The Hosubject Daughter, drofping thesday, October 4, here.

Vice

He would consistently put the other person at ease by initially raising a topic that the other person was instantly engaged.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when you "raise a topic". Ensure that the subject is relevant and appropriate for them.

Common error

Avoid raising a topic without a clear purpose or direction. Make sure you are clear on what you want to achieve by bringing up the subject, as in, avoid raising it without a specific idea or question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise a topic" functions as a verbal phrase used to describe the act of introducing a subject for discussion or consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it employed in various contexts to initiate conversation or bring attention to an issue.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raise a topic" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a subject for discussion. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business settings, it maintains a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, it's best to provide context and be prepared to facilitate a productive discussion. Alternative phrases include ""bring up a subject"" or "introduce a topic". Avoid vagueness and ensure that the subject is relevant and appropriate for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring up a subject

Changes the verb to 'bring up' while maintaining the core meaning of introducing a subject.

introduce a topic

Replaces 'raise' with 'introduce', focusing on the act of presenting a new topic.

broach a subject

Uses 'broach' to suggest a more delicate or cautious approach to introducing a topic.

table a topic

Replaces 'raise' to 'table' which means to submit (a motion) for consideration by a legislative body.

open up a discussion

Focuses on initiating a discussion rather than just mentioning a topic.

initiate a conversation about

Emphasizes the beginning of a conversation on a specific subject.

present a subject for discussion

Highlights the act of presenting something for consideration.

touch on a subject

Suggests a brief or cursory mention of a topic.

allude to a topic

Implies an indirect reference to a subject.

canvass a topic

To solicit votes, orders, or opinions; survey.

FAQs

How can I "raise a topic" effectively in a meeting?

Start by briefly introducing the topic, providing context, and explaining why it's relevant to the discussion. For example, you might say, "I'd like to "bring up a subject" that affects our team's productivity."

What's a more formal way to say "raise a topic"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "introduce a topic" or "present a subject for discussion" to maintain a professional tone.

When is it inappropriate to "raise a topic"?

It's generally inappropriate to "raise a topic" if it's unrelated to the current conversation, potentially offensive to others, or lacks relevance to the group or situation. Make sure to consider your audience.

What should I do if the audience doesn't engage after I "raise a topic"?

Try rephrasing your introduction, asking direct questions to encourage participation, or providing additional information to spark interest. You might also ask if there are any objections to "table a topic" for future meeting.