start a topic

USAGE SUMMARY

'start a topic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a new topic of discussion. For example: "Now that we have finished discussing the budget for next quarter, let's start a topic about our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Um, are you asking me about my sexuality?" After Coleman answered, "Sure," Hardy plaintively responded, "Why?" In hindsight, Hardy acknowledged that "destigmatizing sexuality" was important, but nonetheless chastised the Daily Xtra reporter for "inelegantly asking a question that seemed designed entirely to provoke a reaction, and start a topic of debate".

Huffington Post

If you're going to start a topic, explain it till the end.

WikiHow

If you're in a group looking for something to do, don't be afraid to start a topic or group game.

WikiHow

The biggest rule of holding a classy conversation is that people with class do not, under any circumstances, start a topic of conversation about themselves.

WikiHow

Usually this will start a conversation, but if it doesn't and he/she just says, "Oh... hey... ...... start a topic on something you know about them.

WikiHow

then end the conversation, or start a topic like "Did you see what the teacher did on the board?" or, "I was just painting".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Or if someone else has started a topic and the discussion seems to be winding down, pause before tossing out a different topic.

HuffPost

With that said though, I would also like to address a topic that I think we all need to be aware of as this school year starts; a topic that is equally as important as academic achievement and intellectual development.

Huffington Post

As in paragraph two, start with a topic sentence and support that claim with concrete examples.

Cornell University

This week, I'll start with a topic that could save some marriages if more people made it a priority.

The New York Times

Take Singlish's being topic-prominent, for example: like in Mandarin, this means that Singlish sentences will sometimes start with a topic (or a known reference of the conversation), followed by a comment (or some new information).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start a topic" in writing, ensure the topic is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Provide context or background information to help readers understand the relevance of the new topic.

Common error

Avoid using "start a topic" without providing sufficient context. Vague introductions can confuse readers and diminish the impact of the new topic. Always give some background.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start a topic" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a new subject or initiate a discussion. It signals the beginning of a new conversational or written focus. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start a topic" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to introduce a new subject in both spoken and written communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts, including news, media, academic settings and Wiki articles. While "start a topic" is versatile, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and relevance for your audience. Alternatives such as "introduce a subject" or "initiate a discussion" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Keep in mind that clear topic introduction is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introduce a subject

Focuses on the act of bringing a subject into discussion, similar to initiating a topic.

initiate a discussion

Highlights the beginning of a conversation or debate.

raise a question

Emphasizes posing an inquiry as a means of starting a conversation.

open a discussion

Suggests unlocking or beginning a dialogue on a particular subject.

broach a subject

Implies carefully introducing a potentially sensitive or complex topic.

bring up a matter

Focuses on mentioning or introducing a specific issue or concern.

kick off a discussion

Suggests beginning a discussion in an energetic or informal way.

launch a debate

Highlights the initiation of a formal argument or discussion.

put forward a topic

Indicates presenting a topic for consideration or discussion.

table a topic

To present a topic for discussion; used especially in formal debate and parliamentary contexts. This phrase has the closest meaning possible to the main query but maximizes the difference in word choice and structure.

FAQs

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

You can use "start a topic" to introduce a new subject in a conversation or discussion, such as, "Let's now start a topic about improving customer service."

What are some alternatives to "start a topic"?

Alternatives include "introduce a subject", "initiate a discussion", or "raise a question", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "start a topic" or "open a discussion"?

"Start a topic" and "open a discussion" are similar, but "start a topic" implies a broader introduction, while "open a discussion" suggests initiating a more detailed conversation.

What's the difference between "start a topic" and "bring up a matter"?

"Start a topic" generally refers to introducing any new subject, whereas "bring up a matter" often implies introducing a specific issue or concern that needs to be addressed.