the topic was broached

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the topic was broached" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the introduction or mention of a subject for discussion. Example: "During the meeting, the topic was broached, leading to a lively debate among the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

As soon as the topic was broached, the sergeant major began to smile.

The New Yorker

The topic was broached last week as part of Elisabeth Rosenthal's report for the International Herald Tribune on a "car free" German community.

The New York Times

CEO Steve Underwood didn't help matters when the topic was broached at Mularkey's introductory press conference, saying that "[owner Amy Adams Strunk] largely knew that she wanted to keep Mularkey".

The Guardian - Sport

When the topic was broached again last Monday, John got the approval he was seeking.

Los Angeles Times

What I liked about this film was the way that the topic was broached.

Huffington Post

When one moderator mentioned to the girls that they seemed at ease discussing the issue in the focus group, girls explained that it was "okay" to discuss periods in this setting because the moderator was not from their community and the topic was broached by the moderator rather than the girls making it "safe" for discussion.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

CASHMAN SUPPORTS REPLAY Commissioner Bud Selig strongly opposes instant replay, but if the topic is broached at the general managers' meetings next week, Brian Cashman made it clear where he stands.

The New York Times

Currently, there is very little academic literature dealing with the topic of record collecting, and, when the topic is broached, it appears to be done so with some level of suspicion towards the record collector.

Stanford University

She pauses when the topic is broached.

Los Angeles Times

The film is directed by Mel Gibson, and Vaughn was frostier when that topic was broached.

Los Angeles Times

By the time one of Mr. Obama's least-favorite topics was broached — his occasional smoking habit — the tone was set.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the topic was broached" to formally introduce a subject in meetings, academic papers, or news articles. It adds a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the topic was broached" in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "we talked about" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the topic was broached" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject was introduced for discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the topic was broached" is a grammatically sound and formally styled phrase employed to signal the introduction of a subject for discussion. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage across diverse sources, notably in news, science and academic domains. Although deemed correct, its formality suggests reserving it for professional and academic writing, contrasting with the more relaxed tone suitable for casual contexts. Remember, simpler alternatives like "the subject was raised" may be preferable for informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the subject was raised

Focuses on the act of bringing up a subject for discussion.

the matter was introduced

Emphasizes the formal introduction of a matter.

the issue was brought up

Highlights that an issue has been presented for consideration.

the question was posed

Indicates a question has been put forward.

the point was mentioned

Suggests that a specific point was briefly brought to attention.

the theme was touched upon

Implies a brief and light discussion of a theme.

the item was tabled

Refers to the official introduction of an item.

the concept was presented

Focuses on the presentation of a concept.

the idea was floated

Indicates that an idea was suggested in a tentative way.

the concern was voiced

Emphasizes that a concern was expressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "the topic was broached" to indicate that a subject was introduced for discussion. For example, "During the conference, "the topic of sustainability" was broached".

What can I say instead of "the topic was broached"?

Alternatives include "the subject was raised", "the issue was brought up", or "the matter was introduced". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "the topic was broached" formal or informal?

"The topic was broached" is generally considered a formal phrase. It is more suitable for professional or academic writing than casual conversation.

What's the difference between "the topic was broached" and "the topic was mentioned"?

"The topic was broached" suggests a more deliberate introduction of a subject for discussion, while "the topic was mentioned" simply indicates that the topic was brought up briefly or in passing.