topic of discourse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "topic of discourse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the subject matter or theme of a conversation, discussion, or written work. Example: "The topic of discourse during the seminar was the impact of climate change on global economies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This week, we turn to the topic of discourse, another approach to the kinds of language to be found within a play.

Princeton University

Talk of the rioting supplanted conversation about the controversial death of Freddie Gray after he was taken into police custody April 12, which had been the primary topic of discourse before Monday's mayhem.

The Washington Post

If so, although the sentence purports to refer to the king of France, it is not about him; the king of France is not the topic of discourse, nor part of the topic.

SEP

While Starbucks suggests that "talking about race" is "worth a little discomfort", the company has a responsibility to consider what it can and should do to take into account the perspectives of people who actually have to deal with racism and don't have the option of treating it as an optional topic of discourse in the coffee line.

HuffPost

This provides a perspective that brings order and coherence to the topic of discourse.

BMC Medical Education

Propositions were classified as macro-propositions that specify the topic of discourse or micro-propositions that provide details.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Sleep deprivation, coffee and even "mental breakdowns" are some of the most common topics of discourse campus-wide.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, all the publicity surrounding the trial turned the once unmentionable business of birth control into a topic of daily discourse.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, it remains a universal topic of public discourse among the secularising middle class that helped elect the moderate President Hassan Rouhani into office this summer.

The Guardian

Its revelation of the depths of human nature and the power of malevolent social and governmental structures has made it an essential topic of ethical discourse in fields as diverse as law, medicine, religion, government, and the military.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As neuroscience becomes ever more a topic of popular discourse and images of the brain and its functional activity become more widely reproduced, the "This is Your Brain" motif has achieved ever more staying power.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "topic of discourse" when referring to a formal or academic discussion. In more casual settings, consider using "subject of conversation".

Common error

Avoid using "topic of discourse" in everyday conversation. It can sound pretentious or overly academic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "subject of the conversation" or "what we're talking about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topic of discourse" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the subject or theme under discussion. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears in various contexts, often denoting a formal subject matter.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

36%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "topic of discourse" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that identifies the subject or theme under discussion, often in formal or academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not as common as alternatives like "subject of discussion", it is used across various contexts including science, news and media, and academia. When choosing whether to use "topic of discourse", consider the formality of the setting and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in more casual contexts. The most frequent sources are authoritative, such as The New York Times and academic publications, reinforcing its use in higher register communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of conversation

Replaces "discourse" with the more informal "conversation".

subject of discussion

Replaces "discourse" with the more common "discussion".

theme of discussion

Substitutes "topic" with "theme", slightly altering the focus to the central idea.

focus of discussion

Highlights what the discussion is primarily centered on.

matter under discussion

Uses a more formal and elaborate phrasing.

point of discussion

Focuses on a specific point within a broader discussion.

area of conversation

Highlights a specific area or scope within a conversation.

issue at hand

Emphasizes the immediate relevance and importance of the topic.

subject matter

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression.

talking point

Refers to a specific item intended for discussion.

FAQs

What does "topic of discourse" mean?

The phrase "topic of discourse" refers to the subject or theme being discussed or written about, especially in a formal or academic context.

What can I say instead of "topic of discourse"?

You can use alternatives like "subject of discussion", "theme of conversation", or "matter under discussion" depending on the context.

Is "topic of discourse" formal or informal?

"Topic of discourse" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, professional, or official contexts. Simpler terms are better for informal settings.

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

Example: "The "topic of discourse" at the conference was the future of artificial intelligence."