topic of discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"topic of discussion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a subject that two or more people are discussing. For example, "The topic of discussion at the meeting was how to improve customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a huge topic of discussion.

The New York Times

And what was the topic of discussion?

The Economist

Iran was a major topic of discussion.

The New Yorker

It is a constant topic of discussion, she said.

The New York Times

"It was never really a topic of discussion," she said.

The New Yorker

Corporate governance was also a topic of discussion.

The New York Times

Concerts were a popular topic of discussion; so were drugs.

The Guardian - Books

But it was never a topic of discussion".

The Guardian - Opinion

The next topic of discussion was health care.

The New Yorker

Contraction was one topic of discussion at yesterday's session.

The New York Times - Sports

An unexpected topic of discussion was the Hicks matter.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a new topic in a meeting, clearly state it as the "topic of discussion" to ensure everyone is aligned and prepared to contribute relevant information.

Common error

Don't use "topic of discussion" when a more specific term is appropriate. For example, instead of saying, "The topic of discussion was important", specify what made it important, such as, "The focus of deliberation was the budget deficit" or "The key subject was effective strategy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topic of discussion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify the subject or theme being discussed or considered. Ludwig shows it to introduce or clarify the focus of conversations, meetings, or debates. It also serves to indicate the main theme or point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "topic of discussion" is a very common and grammatically correct way to refer to a subject that is being talked about or considered. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media, and also present in Science and Formal & Business contexts, the phrase is versatile and suitable for various registers. For best practices, be clear when introducing the "topic of discussion" to keep everyone aligned. Related phrases include "subject under consideration" and "point of conversation", offering subtle differences in emphasis. It’s vital to avoid vagueness and use more specific terms when appropriate to provide clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Point of conversation

This alternative highlights the conversational aspect, focusing on a specific item being discussed.

Issue at hand

This alternative emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of the topic being discussed.

Subject under consideration

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of careful thought and analysis.

Subject of debate

This alternative highlights that the topic is likely controversial and involves differing opinions.

Matter for consideration

This alternative stresses the importance of careful thought and evaluation of the topic.

Theme of deliberation

This alternative suggests a more formal and structured discussion, often involving careful consideration.

Central theme

This alternative highlights the topic's role as the main idea or unifying element in a discussion.

Question under review

This alternative emphasizes that the topic is being examined and assessed, often in a formal setting.

Area of focus

This alternative suggests that the topic is the central point of attention or concentration.

Keynote topic

This alternative emphasizes that the topic is a prominent or significant subject of discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "topic of discussion" to introduce the main subject being talked about, such as, "The main "point of conversation" was the new marketing campaign" or "Our "subject under consideration" for today's meeting is the budget."

What is an alternative to "topic of discussion"?

Alternatives include "matter of discussion", "point of discussion", "subject of conversation", "agenda item", or "item of discussion" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the topic for discussion is" instead of "the topic of discussion is"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "topic of discussion" is more common and natural-sounding. "Topic for discussion" can also be used but is less frequently encountered. The choice depends on personal preference and stylistic context.

What makes something a good "topic of discussion"?

A good "topic of discussion" is usually relevant to the participants, timely, and engaging. It should be something that people have different perspectives on and are willing to share their thoughts about, whether it's a "subject of debate" or simply something interesting.