taboo topics

USAGE SUMMARY

"taboo topics" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to topics that are considered socially unacceptable to talk about. For example, "The dinner conversation quickly shifted away from taboo topics such as politics and religion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Huang continued to post articles about other taboo topics.

The New York Times

Could the court be acting on its distaste for release humor on taboo topics?

The New Yorker

On the Internet, censors excise all references to certain taboo topics.

The New Yorker

Sometimes taboo topics appear in a humorous, sarcastic or indirect way.

The Washington Post

It's common wisdom that bears repeating: Never post about politics or other taboo topics!

University of California, Berkeley

Our late-night getting-acquainted conversation smashes through at least a dozen taboo topics: cocaine, LSD, pills.

The New York Times

Through Radio Gune-Yi, Plan International uses children to influence people's opinions and attitudes to controversial and taboo topics.

The Guardian

The prolonged social upheaval of the decade threw secrets into the light and enabled the discussion of formerly taboo topics.

The New Yorker

Her reputation as a hard-hitter, who brought taboo topics to the page, often overshadowed the complex humanity of her stories.

The New Yorker

Hemingway gently pointed out that unlike almost any other illness — "AIDS or addiction or alcoholism or diabetes" — mental illness and suicide remain taboo topics of discussion.

The New York Times - Magazine

After Google's announcement, restrictions appeared to be loosened on google.cn, and taboo topics like "Tiananmen incident" and "Tibetan independence" were among the most popular searches by Chinese users.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider providing necessary context or background information to help readers understand the complexities of the "taboo topics".

Common error

Avoid generalizations or stereotypes when discussing "taboo topics". Instead, acknowledge the diversity of perspectives and experiences related to the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taboo topics" functions as a noun phrase, where "taboo" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "topics". It identifies subjects that are culturally or socially avoided, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taboo topics" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for referring to subjects that are culturally or socially avoided. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. As evidenced by Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is most prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While "taboo topics" is appropriate in most situations, it's important to be mindful of the audience and context when using the phrase, ensuring sensitivity and respect. Alternatives like "sensitive subjects" or "controversial issues" can offer different nuances. By avoiding oversimplifications and stereotypes, writers can effectively communicate about these complex issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensitive subjects

Replaces "taboo" with a focus on the delicate nature of the topics.

controversial issues

Highlights the potential for disagreement or conflict surrounding the topics.

delicate matters

Emphasizes the need for careful handling and consideration.

prohibited subjects

Indicates a more formal or authoritative restriction on the topics.

off-limits discussions

Focuses on the restriction of discussing the topics.

unspeakable themes

Suggests that the topics are too shocking or disturbing to be mentioned.

avoided conversations

Highlights the active effort to steer clear of these topics.

forbidden themes

Highlights the themes that are forbidden by a system or ideology.

inappropriate subjects

Indicates the unsuitability of the topics for certain contexts.

unmentionable issues

Similar to "unspeakable themes" but with a less dramatic connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "taboo topics" in a sentence?

You can use "taboo topics" to describe subjects that are generally avoided in conversation. For example, "The article explored several "taboo topics" in modern society, such as death and politics."

What are some alternatives to "taboo topics"?

Alternatives include "sensitive subjects", "controversial issues", or "delicate matters", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Why are some topics considered "taboo topics"?

Topics often become "taboo topics" because they challenge societal norms, provoke strong emotions, or are associated with negative experiences. Cultural and historical contexts also play a significant role.

Is it always inappropriate to discuss "taboo topics"?

No, it is not always inappropriate. Discussing "taboo topics" can be valuable for promoting understanding, challenging prejudices, and fostering open dialogue, but it should be done with sensitivity and respect.