subject matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the topic of a conversation, book, essay, court case, or other form of discourse. For example: "The subject matter of this book is the history of the English monarchy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her real subject matter?

Independent

Borderline actionable subject matter!

The New York Times

By subject matter?

The New York Times

The subject matter is staid.

The Guardian - Film

The subject matter is loaded.

The New Yorker

Neither did the subject matter.

The New York Times - Books

Then there's the subject matter.

The New Yorker

It wasn't his subject matter.

Independent

Includes adult subject matter.

The New York Times - Arts

Blame the subject matter.

The New York Times

Limitation of subject matter.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define the scope of your "subject matter" early in your writing to prevent confusion and maintain focus.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "subject matter" when a more specific term is appropriate. For instance, instead of saying 'The subject matter was interesting', consider 'The plot was engaging' or 'The historical analysis was insightful'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject matter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the topic or theme under consideration in a discussion, work, or field of study. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "subject matter" is a versatile and grammatically sound noun phrase widely used to denote the topic or theme under consideration. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific sources, it maintains a neutral to formal tone suitable for both professional and academic discourse. When using "subject matter", ensure you're being specific and consider alternative phrases like "topic at hand" for contextual variation. With these insights, you're well-equipped to use "subject matter" effectively in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topic at hand

Focuses on the present topic of discussion or consideration.

theme in question

Emphasizes the particular theme that is being discussed or analyzed.

matter under discussion

Highlights the specific issue currently being talked about or debated.

topic of conversation

Refers specifically to the subject being discussed in a conversation.

issue at stake

Emphasizes the importance or risk associated with the topic.

point of discussion

Highlights a specific point or item being discussed.

area of focus

Stresses the specific area or field being concentrated on.

content discussed

Focuses on the specific content that is being talked about.

central theme

Emphasizes the primary or overarching theme of a work or discussion.

core topic

Highlights the main or essential topic.

FAQs

How can I use "subject matter" in a sentence?

You can use "subject matter" to refer to the topic or theme being discussed or analyzed. For example, "The "subject matter" of the book was the French Revolution".

What phrases can I use instead of "subject matter"?

Alternatives to "subject matter" include "topic at hand", "theme in question", or "matter under discussion".

Is it correct to use "subject matter" in formal writing?

Yes, "subject matter" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and clear way to refer to the topic or content being addressed.

What is the difference between "subject matter" and "theme"?

"Subject matter" refers to the literal topic being discussed, while "theme" refers to the underlying message or idea. For example, the "subject matter" might be war, but the theme might be the futility of violence.