topic of speculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "topic of speculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing subjects or issues that are uncertain or open to conjecture. Example: "The sudden disappearance of the artifact has become a topic of speculation among historians and archaeologists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Space rescue has been a topic of speculation for a wide community of people for decades.

Safety Design for Space Systems

Might the institute someday be connected to some eventual Obama presidential library, a topic of speculation in this city?

The New York Times

In the wake of Tuesday's shooting, the question of what role demonetization may have played swiftly became a topic of speculation among YouTubers.

The New Yorker

Jackson, for his part, was trapped in his own skin — and has anyone's skin ever been such a topic of speculation, analysis, and criticism?

The New Yorker

84 Year that Trump's 👊 👋✌️ first became a topic of speculation, after Graydon Carter, now Vanity Fair editor, described him in a GQ profile as " 👏 small and neatly groomed".

The Guardian

Since then, Mr. Trump's campaign has urged supporters to refrain from talking about Mrs. Clinton's health, a frequent topic of speculation among some Republicans before her pneumonia diagnosis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Mr Karimov, whose health and grasp of reality are topics of speculation, has been in power since before the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The Economist

One of the major topics of speculation has been how many times the organizers can manage to remind voters that Mr. Gore served in Vietnam, unlike some presidential candidates we could name.

The New York Times

But the white paper is silent on the topic, long a subject of speculation abroad.

The Economist

Immediately after the announcement, Bernardes became a trending topic on Twitter and a subject of speculation as of what she's going to do next.

Forbes

A topic of widespread speculation has concerned the effect of gasification reactions of coal char on the char burning rate.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "topic of speculation" when you want to emphasize that something is uncertain and people are making guesses or conjectures about it. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid overuse of "topic of speculation" in highly formal or scientific writing. Instead, opt for more precise terms like "hypothesis under investigation" or "area of ongoing research" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topic of speculation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a subject or issue that is uncertain and open to conjecture. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. Examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

23%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "topic of speculation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote uncertainty and conjecture surrounding a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. Primarily functioning as a noun phrase, it's frequently observed in news media, scientific discourse, and academic discussions. While versatile, more precise language may be preferred in highly formal contexts. Consider related phrases like "subject of conjecture" or "matter of debate" for nuanced expression. Remember that it's most effective when you want to highlight uncertainty and invite conjecture rather than state definitive facts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of conjecture

Replaces "topic" with "subject" and "speculation" with "conjecture", both implying uncertainty.

center of conjecture

Highlights the central role of speculation surrounding a particular issue.

matter of debate

Shifts the focus from speculation to active discussion and disagreement.

area of uncertainty

Highlights the lack of definite knowledge surrounding the subject.

focus of hypothesis

Suggests the topic is being examined through proposed explanations.

point of discussion

Emphasizes that the topic is being talked about, though not necessarily in a speculative way.

ground for supposition

Implies the topic is being considered based on assumed or supposed information.

source of rumor

Indicates that the topic is being discussed through unverified information.

basis for guesswork

Focuses on the act of making educated guesses due to insufficient information.

question under consideration

Indicates the topic is being formally examined and weighed.

FAQs

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

You can use "topic of speculation" to describe a subject that is uncertain and invites guessing. For example, "The CEO's sudden departure became a "topic of speculation" among employees".

What's a formal alternative to "topic of speculation"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "subject of inquiry", "matter of investigation", or "area of ongoing research" for a more precise and professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "topic of speculation"?

While generally acceptable, "topic of speculation" might be too informal for highly technical or scientific writing. Choose your words carefully based on the intended audience and context.

What is the difference between "topic of speculation" and "subject of debate"?

"Topic of speculation" implies uncertainty and guesswork, while "subject of debate" suggests active discussion and disagreement with differing viewpoints.