the topic under discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the topic under discussion' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are talking about the subject that is currently being discussed in a conversation or in writing. For example, "The topic under discussion is how to protect the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

They are mid-conversation and the topic under discussion is clearly The Wedding That Shall Not Be Discussed and the danger of a guest snatching a photograph and jeopardising the Hello! deal.

The Guardian - Sport

The topic under discussion: how to stay relevant.

The Guardian - Opinion

A lecture given to an undergraduate audience provides a disciplinary context for the topic under discussion.

The Guardian

The topic under discussion that night: the demolition of the antiquated train tracks.

The New York Times

The topic under discussion was energy and environmental policy, specifically which of the two major presidential candidates had a better plan for supplementing the nation's oil reserves.

The New York Times

She would bring her knowledge to bear on the topic under discussion and enrich it with current and real-world examples.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Some of the topics under discussion veered far from economics and security.

The New York Times

He declined to specify any of the topics under discussion, given the secrecy rules governing grand jury testimony.

The New York Times

What impressed you most? A. In addition to the experts' testimonies, a critical component was the opportunity for citizens to express opinions about the topics under discussion.

The New York Times - Health

Donald Trump's Inauguration was still more than a week away, but the topics under discussion were already the same as those in the news now, and McConnell, who in public often looks like a man preparing to be taken aback, was asked whether the twenty million Americans who had gained health-insurance coverage under Obamacare should be preparing to lose it.

The New Yorker

On the whole, students (both Spaniards and Finns) see themselves as 'experts' in the topics under discussion.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, ensure that "the topic under discussion" is well-defined and remains consistent throughout the piece.

Common error

Avoid using "the topic under discussion" too frequently in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "we're talking about" or "this subject" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the topic under discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. This phrase identifies the specific subject currently being examined or debated, ensuring clarity in communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

54%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the topic under discussion" is a versatile noun phrase used to clearly indicate the subject at hand in a conversation or written piece. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for neutral to formal contexts. Its frequency across diverse sources, including news, science, and business domains, underscores its widespread acceptance. Remember to use it judiciously in casual settings and consider alternatives for smoother communication. This detailed analysis provides practical insights for confident and effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the subject at hand

Replaces "topic" with "subject" and uses "at hand" to indicate immediacy.

the matter in question

Uses "matter" instead of "topic" and emphasizes that it is being examined.

the issue being addressed

Focuses on the problem or concern being talked about.

the point of discussion

Highlights the specific idea or argument being considered.

the theme under consideration

Replaces "topic" with "theme" suggesting a broader subject.

the focus of attention

Emphasizes where the discussion is primarily directed.

the central theme

Highlights the main subject or idea being discussed.

the present subject

Uses "present" to highlight the current focus of the discussion.

the current subject

Uses "current" to specify that the focus is on the present time.

the subject of conversation

Indicates that the topic is being actively talked about.

FAQs

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

You can use "the topic under discussion" to refer to the subject being discussed, such as, "The topic under discussion was the impact of climate change on coastal communities."

What are some alternatives to "the topic under discussion"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the subject at hand", "the issue being addressed", or "the matter in question" depending on the specific context.

Is "the topic under discussion" formal or informal?

"The topic under discussion" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for academic papers, business presentations, and news articles. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the topic under discussion" and "the topic under consideration"?

While similar, "the topic under discussion" implies active conversation or debate, whereas "the topic under consideration" suggests a more thoughtful, evaluative process, even if no active discussion is taking place.