topic of conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"topic of conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that people are talking about. For example: "The latest news was the main topic of conversation at the office yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a topic of conversation".

The New York Times

A frequent topic of conversation….

The New Yorker

It's not an everyday topic of conversation.

The Guardian

It is his favorite topic of conversation.

The New York Times - Books

Work just wasn't a topic of conversation.

The New York Times

It's been a major topic of conversation.

The New York Times - Sports

Not surprisingly, they were the sole topic of conversation.

The New Yorker

On Wednesday, Harvey was still the topic of conversation.

The New York Times

He was a frequent topic of conversation at company meetings.

The New Yorker

The topic of conversation was supposed to be Internet marketing.

The New York Times

And damp basements are a big topic of conversation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "topic of conversation" when you want to introduce a subject that is currently being discussed among a group of people or in a specific setting. It emphasizes the conversational aspect of the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using synonyms like "talking point" or "matter at hand" unless the context specifically calls for a strategic or urgent subject. "Topic of conversation" is more general and suitable for most situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topic of conversation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a subject that is being discussed. Ludwig examples show its versatility in various contexts, ranging from everyday discussions to more formal settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "topic of conversation" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that identifies a subject being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is most commonly found in news and media, wiki articles, and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "subject of discussion" and "matter at hand", offering slight variations in formality and emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the subject currently being discussed, and avoid overly formal synonyms in casual settings. Understanding these nuances will help you use "topic of conversation" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

content of the discussion

Refers to the substance and details of what is being talked about.

subject under discussion

Focuses on the act of formal deliberation or debate rather than casual chat.

subject of the chat

Applies to informal, casual conversations or social gatherings.

point of discussion

Highlights a specific aspect or element within a broader conversation.

matter at hand

Implies a specific, often pressing, issue that requires immediate attention and discussion.

issue being addressed

Emphasizes the problem or challenge that the conversation aims to resolve.

talking point

Suggests a pre-prepared or strategically chosen subject for conversation, often in a political or marketing context.

focus of dialogue

Suggests a deliberate and structured exchange of ideas.

theme of discourse

Indicates a more academic or formal exploration of a subject through conversation.

gist of the exchange

Focuses on the main idea or essence of the conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "topic of conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "topic of conversation" to refer to a subject that people are discussing, such as "The weather was a major "topic of conversation" during the heatwave".

What's a more formal alternative to "topic of conversation"?

For a more formal context, consider using "subject of discussion" or "matter under consideration". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is "subject of conversation" interchangeable with "topic of conversation"?

While similar, "subject of conversation" often implies a more specific or defined area of discussion, while ""topic of conversation"" can be broader and more general.

How do I change the "topic of conversation" if it becomes uncomfortable?

To change the ""topic of conversation"", you can introduce a new subject, ask a question about something else, or politely excuse yourself.