the topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the subject matter being discussed or considered in a conversation, essay, or presentation. Example: "In this meeting, we will focus on the topic of climate change and its impact on global economies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The topic?

The New York Times

The topic riles him.

The New York Times - Sports

The topic was Corvettes.

The New York Times

The topic hardly matters.

The New York Times

The topic: guns.

The New York Times

That was the topic.

The New Yorker

The topic is apologies.

The New York Times

The topic was insurance.

The Economist

The topic sounded unmanageable.

The Economist

The topic: sleep aids.

The New York Times

The topic was their marriage.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a new discussion, clearly state "the topic" to ensure everyone understands the subject at hand.

Common error

Avoid repeating "the topic" too frequently in the same paragraph. Use synonyms or pronouns to maintain a natural flow and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the topic" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a noun phrase. It identifies and specifies a particular subject or theme that is being discussed, considered, or analyzed. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in various contexts to introduce or refer back to a specific subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the topic" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote the subject or theme of a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, demonstrating its suitability for diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While its formality is neutral, overusing the phrase can lead to redundancy. To improve writing, it's best to use synonyms such as "the subject" or "the theme" to ensure variety. By understanding its function and considering these nuances, you can use "the topic" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the subject matter

Replaces "topic" with a more formal phrase emphasizing the content being discussed.

the theme

Substitutes "topic" with a word that highlights the underlying idea or message.

the issue at hand

Emphasizes the specific problem or matter being addressed.

the matter in question

Highlights the uncertain or debated nature of the topic.

the point of discussion

Focuses on the specific aspect being talked about.

the focus

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word that conveys the central element.

the central theme

Adds emphasis to the core subject under consideration.

the main subject

Highlights the primary topic, differentiating it from secondary issues.

the area of interest

Broadens the scope to include anything that might be relevant.

the question under consideration

Specifies that the topic is being actively thought about or debated.

FAQs

How can I use "the topic" in a sentence?

You can use "the topic" to introduce the subject of a conversation or discussion. For example: "The topic is climate change" or "Let's move on to the next topic".

What are some alternatives to "the topic"?

Alternatives to "the topic" include "the subject", "the theme", "the issue", or "the matter", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the topic"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "the topic" can make your writing sound repetitive. Strive for variety by using synonyms or rephrasing sentences to avoid unnecessary repetition.

What's the difference between "the topic" and "the subject"?

While often interchangeable, "the topic" generally refers to a specific area of discussion, whereas "the subject" can refer to a broader field of study or area of interest.