subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "subject" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a person, place, thing, or idea which is being discussed or studied, or in broader terms, any field of knowledge or activity which is studied or discussed. For example: "This subject is particularly interesting for me because I have studied it for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Hacking is one of the most intrusive surveillance capabilities available to any intelligence agency, and its use and safeguards surrounding it should be the subject of proper debate.

The Guardian

"The language within the lyrics and the images within the promotional video are utterly degrading to the female subject.

The Guardian - Music

In the phrase "It was he," "it" and "he" are the same thing: they're both the subject, and thus nominative.

The Economist

Political funds are already subject to approval being given in regular ballots by unions.

The Guardian

The national interest should never be subject to the chequebooks of anybody".

The Guardian

We hope that Google, and all search engines subject to the ruling, will open up.

The Guardian - Tech

Therefore European rules and regulations need to be subject to regular reviews just as national rules and regulations [do].

The Guardian

Subject to the above, GNMA's liability to you is limited to the fees you have actually paid for the relevant Guardian Masterclass.

The Guardian

A big speech on the subject has been long awaited.

The Guardian - Opinion

The northwest coastal rivers are currently the subject of a flood watch.

The Guardian

Indeed, our child was the subject of the hearings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subject" in academic writing, clearly define the scope of your subject matter early on to provide focus and direction for your research or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "subject" too broadly; be specific about the aspect or facet you are addressing to prevent ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "subject" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person, thing, or idea that is being discussed, studied, or dealt with. According to Ludwig AI, the word is usable in written English, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "subject" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun to denote the person, thing, or idea being discussed or studied. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It serves the communicative purpose of clearly identifying the focus of attention, making it essential in both formal and informal settings. Its neutral register allows for use across various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. Key contexts for "subject" include News & Media, Formal & Business and Science. When employing "subject" in writing, maintain specificity to enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "topic", "matter", or "theme" to provide nuance. The term’s widespread usage and varied applications underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topic

Refers to the main idea or issue being discussed or written about.

matter

Highlights the issue or situation being considered or dealt with.

theme

Focuses on the underlying idea or message in a work of art or discussion.

issue

Emphasizes a point of discussion or concern.

field of study

Indicates a specific academic discipline or area of knowledge.

area of study

Highlights the specific domain being investigated or learned.

content

Refers to the substance or material of a discussion or work.

theme

The central topic or concept.

case

A matter under investigation.

bailiwick

Area of expertise or authority.

FAQs

How do I use "subject" in a sentence?

You can use "subject" to refer to the topic being discussed, as in "The "subject" of the meeting was budget cuts" or as a person under study, such as "The research "subject" reported feeling better".

What's another word for "subject"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "subject" with words like "topic", "matter", or "theme".

Is it correct to say "subject" instead of "topic"?

Yes, "subject" and "topic" are often interchangeable, especially when referring to a matter being discussed or studied. However, "subject" can also refer to a person being studied or experimented on, which "topic" cannot.

What's the difference between "subject" and "theme"?

"Subject" refers to the main person, thing, idea, or topic, while "theme" is the underlying message or idea in a work of art, literature, or discussion. The "subject" might be love, but the "theme" could be the transformative power of love.