remain on topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain on topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to stay focused on the subject at hand during a discussion or writing. Example: "During the meeting, please ensure that all participants remain on topic to make the most of our time together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Moderator Holt at times struggled to remain on topic as Trump and Clinton traded barbs that vacillated between policy and the personal.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Councilperson Wade, who was in attendance, interrupted Lozman and instructed him to remain on-topic.

Cornell University

Regarding communication strategies, most of the older black adults used specific descriptions of pain and remained on topic.

Pain Management Nursing

But while the buzz from a room full of travel bloggers should have remained on topic, it dramatically switched to the exciting dinner soon to be hosted by Turkish Airlines at the Newseum.

Huffington Post

As long as you remain somewhat on topic, I've found that the guide will talk to you as long as you like.

TechCrunch

As my column in The International Herald Tribune tries to explain, he evaded scrutiny for decades, in part through a British tradition of readiness to remain silent on topics deemed "inappropriate".

The New York Times

You can bring in a facilitator who is trained to make sure discussions stay on topic and remain productive, or you might hire a speaker for an afternoon educational session on an important issue.

Huffington Post

Though Mr. Medvedev remained on message, unusual topics were broached.

The New York Times

With the Legislature's tough rules about filibusters a lawmaker using that tactic must remain standing and on-topic, and resist the urge to go to the bathroom it would be impossible for a person to filibuster the measure for that long.

Huffington Post

But alternative news media have increasingly tried to bridge the trust gap by fostering citizen journalism and taking on topics that remain taboo for the more established news organizations.

The New York Times

This "problematic" ability to have lots of thoughts going on in their heads simultaneously, making it challenging to stay on topic in the eyes of their teachers, to not be able (or choose) to remain solely focused on a singular topic with a very limited, linear trajectory of analysis.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When leading a discussion, use "remain on topic" to gently guide participants back to the main subject, ensuring a productive conversation.

Common error

Avoid forcing connections where they don't naturally exist. Just because something is related doesn't mean it's "on topic". Evaluate the direct relevance before linking it to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain on topic" functions primarily as an imperative, often used to guide or instruct individuals or groups to maintain focus during discussions, writing, or presentations. It implies a need for sustained relevance and adherence to the central theme. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remain on topic" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that functions as an imperative, designed to ensure clarity and relevance in communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, although frequently seen in news, academia, and scientific discussions. To achieve this, consider alternatives such as "stay on topic" or "keep to the point". When using this expression, be mindful of relevance, avoiding forced connections that stray from the main discussion. By doing so, discussions are more productive and aligned with overall communication goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay on topic

Uses "stay" instead of "remain", implying a more active effort to keep focused.

stick to the subject

Emphasizes adherence to the established topic.

keep to the point

Focuses on directness and avoiding unnecessary details.

focus on the matter at hand

Highlights the importance of concentrating on the current issue.

center on the issue

Emphasizes the act of concentrating the attention to the core question.

avoid digressions

Directly addresses the act of straying from the main subject.

address the question directly

Highlights the act of speaking directly to the topic.

don't get sidetracked

Advises against being distracted by other things.

be relevant

Focuses on the importance of connection to the current discussion.

be concise

Focuses on the usage of less words and being straight to the point.

FAQs

How can I encourage someone to "remain on topic" politely?

You can say something like, "To keep things moving, let's "focus on the main issue"" or "Perhaps we can address that later to "stay on topic"".

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

In a formal setting, you might say "Let's "adhere to the agenda"" or "Please "confine your remarks to the subject matter"".

Is it ever okay to deviate from the topic?

Sometimes, brief digressions can spark creativity or offer helpful context. However, it's important to "get back on track" quickly to avoid losing focus and wasting time.

What's the difference between "staying on topic" and "being concise"?

"Staying on topic" means keeping the conversation relevant to the main subject. "Being concise" is about expressing yourself clearly and briefly, regardless of the topic. You can "stay on topic" without being concise, and vice versa.