subject of conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject of conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main topic or theme being discussed in a conversation. Example: "The subject of conversation at the dinner table was the recent changes in the local school system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Was Paolo perhaps a subject of conversation?

The New Yorker

Color is often the subject of conversation in this neighborhood.

The New York Times

Nani's red card was the subject of conversation.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a big subject of conversation," one pilot said.

The New York Times

"Nothing else can be the subject of conversation.

The New York Times - Arts

(The Agenda discussed this earlier this year when the Buffett Rule was the subject of conversation).

The New York Times

The subject of conversation was a Noël Coward record, "and I went on too much.

The Guardian - Music

"People love it here — it has become their No. 1 subject of conversation," he said.

The New York Times

At mealtime, the tone turned more serious, but the subject of conversation was rarely politics.

The New Yorker

Gossip is a prevailing subject of conversation, everywhere from hunter-gatherer campsites to royal courts.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, for many spectators along the course, Pena was the No. 1 subject of conversation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subject of conversation" to clearly indicate the main topic being discussed, especially in formal or journalistic contexts. This phrase is appropriate when introducing or referring back to the central theme of a discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "subject of conversation" excessively in casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "what we're talking about" or "topic" may sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject of conversation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the topic or theme that is being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subject of conversation" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the topic being discussed, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to clearly identify the central theme. While acceptable in various settings, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual contexts. Remember to use it when precision is needed but be mindful of overusing it in informal scenarios. Related phrases such as "topic of discussion" and "matter of discussion" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topic of discussion

Replaces "subject" with "topic", focusing on the theme being discussed.

focus of conversation

Emphasizes what the conversation is centered on.

matter of discussion

Substitutes "subject" with "matter", emphasizing the item under discussion.

theme of discussion

Replaces "subject" with "theme", focusing on the central idea discussed.

talking point

Highlights an item intended or likely to be discussed.

topic at hand

Emphasizes the current topic being addressed.

point of discussion

Focuses on a specific item or aspect being discussed.

issue under discussion

Highlights a specific problem or matter being talked about.

area of discussion

Indicates a broader field or domain that is being discussed.

theme of the talk

Highlights central idea of speech.

FAQs

How can I use "subject of conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "subject of conversation" to indicate the main topic being discussed, for example, "The "subject of conversation" at the meeting was the new marketing strategy."

What's a more casual alternative to "subject of conversation"?

In less formal settings, you can use alternatives like "topic of discussion", or simply "topic".

Is it correct to say "theme of conversation" instead of "subject of conversation"?

Yes, "theme of conversation" is a valid alternative and can be used interchangeably in many contexts, though "subject" is generally more common.

What is the difference between "subject of conversation" and "matter of discussion"?

"Subject of conversation" typically refers to the main topic, while "matter of discussion" can refer to a specific point or issue within a broader conversation.