talking point

USAGE SUMMARY

"talking point" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it anytime you want to refer to a topic or issue that people are discussing or debating. Example: "The controversy surrounding the latest government policy has become a popular talking point in the media and among citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a talking point".

Independent

A talking point.

Independent

A talking point, certainly.

The Guardian - Sport

Democrat talking point.

The New Yorker

Another Dem talking point.

The New Yorker

Make it "Another talking point … suggests".

The New York Times

This talking point is actually not correct.

The New York Times

It became a talking point.

The Guardian

What's the big talking point?

The Guardian

"I wasn't looking for a talking point.

The New York Times

Our Englishness is a talking point.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "talking point" when you want to refer to a specific topic that is commonly discussed or debated, especially one used to support a particular viewpoint.

Common error

While acceptable, "talking point" can sound informal in academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "central issue" or "subject of discussion" in scholarly contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "talking point" is that of a noun phrase, typically functioning as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific topic or issue that is frequently discussed, often with the intention of promoting a particular viewpoint. Ludwig shows this is commonly used in sentences to highlight issues in political or social discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "talking point" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe a specific topic or issue that is frequently discussed. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is valid. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, its purpose is to identify and emphasize issues in public discourse. While generally neutral, it may be too informal for certain academic settings where alternatives like "subject of discussion" or "central issue" may be more appropriate. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required when deciding whether to use "talking point" or a more formal substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of discussion

Replaces "point" with "subject", emphasizing the topic being discussed.

matter of debate

Highlights the argumentative aspect inherent in many talking points.

central issue

Focuses on the core importance of the topic.

key theme

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the topic in a broader context.

recurring topic

Highlights the repetitive or frequent nature of the discussion.

popular topic

Focuses on the widespread interest and discussion surrounding the issue.

controversial issue

Highlights the contentious nature of the point.

argumentative point

Directly emphasizes the argumentative nature of the talking point.

focus of conversation

Shifts the emphasis to the conversational aspect of the "talking point".

agenda item

Suggests that the talking point has been formally scheduled for discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "talking point" in a sentence?

You can use "talking point" to refer to a specific topic that is frequently discussed. For example, "The rising cost of living has become a major talking point during the election campaign".

What's a less informal synonym for "talking point"?

For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "subject of discussion", "matter of debate", or "central issue".

Is it appropriate to use "talking point" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "talking point" might be considered too informal for academic writing. Use more formal alternatives such as "key theme" or "recurring topic" in academic papers.

What does it mean when someone says that something is a "talking point"?

It typically means that the issue is a frequently discussed or debated topic, often used to advance a particular argument or perspective. The phrase can be used neutrally or critically, depending on the context.