the key subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the most important topic or theme in a discussion, analysis, or piece of writing. Example: "In this report, we will focus on the key subject of climate change and its impact on global ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Part II is devoted to study the key subject of parameter estimation and finally Part III deals with the optimization task.

Biochemical Engineering Journal

Nevertheless, the calculation indicated that the <11h> SIA would be the key subject in finishing the complex migration in evolution of irradiation defects.

Fusion Engineering and Design

This "cloning" is happening because all GCSEs and A-levels are now marked by measuring the degree to which pupils meet the relevant assessment objectives (AOs); these are essentially the key subject skills.

The Guardian - Opinion

His was not the only talk to address this issue; "social media and technology" was one of the key subject areas of this year's convention, which gathered leading researchers from around the world.

MIT Technology Review

The accident analysis, limited to the area of design basis accident, constituted the key subject for the study; therefore, the notorious Chernobyl unit 4 event was outside the scope of the investigation.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

The accident analysis, limited to the area of Design Basis Accident, constituted the key subject for the study; events not including the primary circuit were not considered, as well as events originated from plant status different from the nominal operating conditions.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The "trending" box contains links to the key subjects of the day, pointing readers to the best resources we have for each topic.

The Guardian

The first selection of audience questions had immediately returned to one of the key subjects of the first debate: currency union.

The Guardian

Up to 100,000 pupils in England and Wales face lessons in the key subjects of maths and physics by teachers with no qualifications in the subjects.

The Guardian - Opinion

For music teachers the shortfall is 25%, the same as for geography, while for teachers in the key subjects of English and maths the shortfall is 12%and11%1% respectively.

The Guardian

While there was greater demand in the content of the key subjects, there was also "greater freedom for teachers" in how they teach it, Oates said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the key subject" to clearly identify the most important topic being discussed or analyzed in your writing. This ensures readers understand the central theme you are addressing.

Common error

Avoid using "the key subject" in very informal settings. Simpler phrases like "main topic" or "focus" might be more appropriate for casual conversations or less formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key subject" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the most important topic or area of concern, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key subject" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the central topic or theme in a discussion or analysis. Ludwig's analysis, validated by real-world examples, confirms its appropriateness for formal writing and professional contexts. While less frequent than alternatives like "main topic", it effectively highlights the importance of the subject. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall formality of your writing to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the central theme

Replaces "key" with "central" and "subject" with "theme", emphasizing the core idea.

the main topic

Uses "main" instead of "key", offering a more common alternative.

the major theme

Similar to "the central theme", but using "major" instead of "central".

the primary topic

Similar to "the main topic", but using "primary" instead of "main".

the primary focus

Substitutes "key subject" with "primary focus", highlighting the central point of attention.

the central focus

Similar to "the primary focus", but using "central" instead of "primary".

the core issue

Replaces "subject" with "issue", framing it as a problem or matter of importance.

the principal matter

Offers a slightly more formal alternative, using "principal" and "matter".

the crucial point

Emphasizes the importance of the subject by using "crucial point".

the central question

Frames the subject as a question that needs to be addressed.

FAQs

How can I use "the key subject" in a sentence?

Use "the key subject" to introduce the main topic of discussion. For example: "The key subject of this report is climate change."

What can I say instead of "the key subject"?

You can use alternatives like "the main topic", "the primary focus", or "the central theme" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "key subject" or "main subject"?

Both "key subject" and "main subject" are correct, but "main subject" is more common. "Key subject" emphasizes importance, while "main subject" simply denotes the primary topic.

What's the difference between "the key subject" and "the key issue"?

"The key subject" refers to the main topic or theme. "The key issue", on the other hand, refers to the most important problem or point of contention.