raise the topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raise the topic" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to when someone introduces a topic to be discussed or talked about. For example, "The teacher raised the topic of immigration in his class discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then Billick essentially questioned the ethics of anyone who would raise the topic again.

The New York Times - Sports

Nor was her presence a reason to suppress (or raise) the topic.

The New York Times

Yes, he should still have told me he was going to raise the topic.

The New Yorker

The first step, and perhaps the most difficult, is to actually raise the topic.

The New York Times

Yang added that the company planned to raise the topic of compensation with TransAsia Airways at a later date.

The Guardian

Mr. DuPree, the mayor of Hattiesburg, does not raise the topic of race on the campaign trail, preferring to talk about job creation and health care.

The New York Times

As chair of the cultural diversity network, (Director-General) Mark Thompson will raise the topic of fair representation of people of all ages across the broadcasting industry.

Independent

Raise the topic with him, as Krishnan Guru-Murthy did on Channel 4, and you risk "getting your butt shut down" – to use a now-popular Quentinism.

Independent

People are private by their very nature: if you raise the topic of personal pleasure people will tend to blush or laugh uncomfortably and change the subject.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Clinton spoke briefly after reporters raised the topic during a news conference.

The Guardian

When I raised the topic of Israel, he affected a mournful look.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raise the topic", be mindful of your audience and the context. In sensitive situations, consider a more gentle approach like "broach the subject".

Common error

While "raise the topic" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Alternatives like "introduce the subject" or "address the issue" can enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise the topic" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of introducing a subject for discussion or consideration. As Ludwig AI states, it is generally correct and can be used in written English to refer to initiating a conversation or discussion about a specific subject. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

34%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raise the topic" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to denote the introduction of a subject for discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. While versatile, its formality can be adjusted by opting for alternatives like "address the issue" for more formal settings, or "bring up the topic" for more casual settings. Predominantly featured in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase demonstrates a consistent usage pattern across varied sources. When aiming for clear and effective communication, "raise the topic" remains a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring up the topic

Uses "bring up" instead of "raise", implying a slightly more casual introduction of the subject.

introduce the topic

Replaces "raise" with "introduce", focusing on the act of presenting a subject.

broach the subject

Employs "broach", suggesting a cautious or sensitive approach to introducing the topic.

mention the topic

Uses "mention" which implies a brief or passing reference to the subject.

address the topic

Focuses on directly dealing with or speaking about the subject.

initiate the discussion

Shifts the focus to starting a conversation about the topic.

open the discussion

Similar to "initiate the discussion", but emphasizes making the topic available for conversation.

table the topic

Refers to postponing or delaying the discussion of the topic, an antonym.

air the issue

Presents the topic publicly or for open discussion.

delve into the matter

Suggests exploring the topic in depth and detail.

FAQs

How can I use "raise the topic" in a sentence?

You can use "raise the topic" to indicate the introduction of a subject for discussion, such as, "The manager decided to "raise the topic" of employee benefits during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "raise the topic"?

Some alternatives to "raise the topic" include "bring up the topic", "introduce the topic", or "broach the subject", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to "raise the topic" in a formal setting?

Yes, it is generally appropriate to "raise the topic" in a formal setting. However, consider the specific context and audience. More formal alternatives like "address the topic" might be more suitable in some cases.

When is it better to use "broach the subject" instead of "raise the topic"?

"Broach the subject" is often preferred over "raise the topic" when the topic is sensitive or potentially uncomfortable. It implies a more delicate approach to introducing the subject, while "raise the topic" is more neutral.