starts a topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starts a topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a subject or theme for discussion or writing. Example: "In this meeting, Sarah starts a topic about improving team communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 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

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

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

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

Overwhelmingly, topics emerge in the course of the meetings through two sets of practices that researchers in CA have described as a "stepwise topical movement" [ 11], whereby the participants make a topic flow out of a prior topic, and as "topic initiation" [ 12], whereby the participants start a new topic after a prior topic has been discontinued.

Disability and Rehabilitation

I read an article of interest which jump starts a conversation on a topic I don't have much time or opportunity to develop with someone in person.

Huffington Post

Mr. Abrams's recipe for a new site starts with a topic like celebrity chefs.

The New York Times

The student starts with a topic, does research on the Internet, discusses the articles with me and finds out who the significant players are in the field.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "starts a topic", be prepared to provide context and supporting information to ensure the audience understands the subject.

Common error

Avoid starting a topic with vague statements. Be specific and clear about what you intend to discuss to maintain focus and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starts a topic" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation or introduction of a subject for discussion or consideration. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starts a topic" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for introducing a subject for discussion or exploration. Ludwig AI indicates that it's suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news, wiki, and scientific sources. While not exceedingly common, it serves the clear purpose of initiating a conversation or presentation. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "introduces a subject" or "opens a discussion" for similar but slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, it is best practice to support the introduced topic with context to facilitate better understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introduces a subject

Uses "introduces" instead of "starts", implying a more formal or deliberate beginning.

opens a discussion

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

initiates a conversation

Similar to opening a discussion, but emphasizes the conversational aspect.

raises an issue

Highlights the act of bringing up a potentially problematic or important matter.

broaches a subject

Implies carefully introducing a sensitive or difficult topic.

launches a debate

Emphasizes starting a formal argument or discussion with opposing viewpoints.

presents a theme

Suitable for more formal settings where a central theme is being introduced.

sets the stage for discussion

This phrase emphasizes preparation and context-setting before starting the discussion.

kicks off a subject

An informal way to say starts a topic, often used in casual conversations or informal writing.

unveils a theme

Suggests a grand or ceremonial opening, often used when revealing something significant.

FAQs

How can I effectively "starts a topic" in a conversation?

Begin by relating the new topic to the current discussion or finding a common interest to smoothly transition into the new subject. This helps maintain engagement and relevance.

What are some alternatives to "starts a topic"?

You can use alternatives like "introduces a subject", "opens a discussion", or "raises an issue" depending on the context.

Is it better to "starts a topic" directly or indirectly?

The approach depends on the audience and context. In formal settings, a direct approach is often preferred, while in casual conversations, an indirect approach might be more engaging.

How do I keep a conversation going after I "starts a topic"?

Ask open-ended questions related to the topic, share relevant anecdotes, and actively listen to others' responses to encourage further discussion.