seminal topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seminal topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a subject or theme that is highly influential or foundational in a particular field of study or discussion. Example: "The seminar will focus on the seminal topic of climate change and its impact on global policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The architectural historian Elizabeth A. T. Smith acquits herself well here, though this seminal topic is more probingly addressed in "Blueprints for Modern Living," a catalog she edited for her memorable 1989 Case Study House exhibition at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art.

The New York Times - Books

A seminal topic, if under-appreciated and misunderstood, is the relationship and impact longevity and population aging can have on economic growth.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Over the next several articles, Tooling Up will revisit some of these seminal topics, tips, and techniques related to gearing up tooling up for your job search.

Science Magazine

It's a seminal issue".

The New York Times

That's the seminal issue.

The Guardian

He said he believes in the power of numbers, citing the influence of Dean Oliver's seminal book on the topic, "Basketball on Paper: Rules and Tools for Performance Analysis".

The New York Times - Sports

During this period he conducted pioneering studies on the use of nuclear magnetic resonance to study enzyme complexes, publishing a seminal paper on the topic in Nature in 1963.

The New York Times

He studied scholars like Martti Nissinen, professor of Old Testament studies at the University of Helsinki; Dale Martin, a professor of religious studies at Yale; and John Boswell, author of the seminal book on the topic, "Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality".

The New York Times

It was disappointing that there was no reference to the strong protective effect of breastfeeding in the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (Sids) in the commentary on Peter Fleming's important and seminal work on this topic (Safety in slumbers, 27 August).

The Guardian

Using a hybrid method of thematic analysis incorporating both inductive and deductive approaches, this research explores Richard Mabey's seminal work on this topic, The Unofficial Countryside.

Social Science & Medicine

Two decades after Cornish's seminal paper on the topic, there is evidence that crime scripts should evolve to provide greater analytical support for the design of control measures.

Crime Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seminal topic" when referring to events, publications or ideas that hold groundbreaking significance and have paved the way for future developments in their respective fields.

Common error

Avoid using "seminal topic" to describe commonplace subjects or everyday issues. Reserve it for truly groundbreaking themes that have had a lasting impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seminal topic" functions as a noun phrase, where 'seminal' modifies the noun 'topic'. It identifies a subject of great importance and influence, indicating its foundational role within a specific field. Ludwig examples show its use in academic and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seminal topic" refers to a subject of profound influence and foundational importance within a specific field. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable, although relatively rare in occurrence. Its function is to highlight the groundbreaking nature of the subject, best suited for formal or scientific contexts. When writing, reserve this phrase for truly impactful topics and consider alternatives such as "foundational topic" or "pivotal topic" to add nuance. Remember to avoid overusing "seminal" for minor themes to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundational topic

Emphasizes the topic's role as a fundamental base for further development.

pivotal topic

Highlights the topic's critical importance as a turning point or central element.

critical subject

Points out that the topic is of the utmost importance.

influential topic

Focuses on the topic's capacity to shape or affect subsequent ideas and discussions.

essential theme

Underlines the indispensable nature and significance of the theme.

key subject

Uses a more general term for 'topic', implying significant importance.

vital issue

Focuses on the topic's critical importance as a vital element.

major theme

Shifts the focus to a recurring idea or underlying message of great importance.

groundbreaking subject

Highlights the innovative and transformative nature of the topic.

foundational issue

Highlights the topic's role as a fundamental base for further actions.

FAQs

How can I use "seminal topic" in a sentence?

You can use "seminal topic" to describe a subject that is highly influential or foundational. For example: "The conference will address the "seminal topic" of artificial intelligence in healthcare."

What are some alternatives to "seminal topic"?

Alternatives include "foundational topic", "pivotal topic", or "influential topic", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "seminal topic" formal or informal?

"Seminal topic" leans towards formal usage, best suited for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts.

What makes a topic "seminal"?

A "seminal topic" is one that has significantly influenced subsequent thinking, research, or developments in a particular field. It's a foundational subject that has shaped future discussions and advancements.