topic of the hour

USAGE SUMMARY

"topic of the hour" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express the topic or theme that is currently relevant and most often discussed. For example, "Climate change is the topic of the hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Inherited trauma was the topic of the hour in Cologne.

The New Yorker

Welfare reform is the hot topic of the hour.

The Economist

Now that Ryan is on the ticket, that's the topic of the hour.

The New York Times

For this 3D animation's furry frolics are fashioned to convey a stern lecture on the topic of the hour.

The Guardian - Film

Arsenal's defence is the topic of the hour – can they possibly recapture the Premier League title with such an uninspiring unit?

The Guardian - Sport

Two years ago, the topic of the hour was 3G, or third generation, an improved cellular infrastructure to handle data at higher speeds.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

For this group of television, newspaper and magazine journalists the cafe is known more for its weekly sessions of sipping different types of traditional tea, gossiping and exchanging views on the topics of the hour as large TV screens beamed in the latest news, sports matches and music videos all night long.

Huffington Post

Agree to schedule another meeting to discuss topics that remain at the end of the hour.

Stanford University

As the holiday season begins, appreciation in its many facets, and what it does for personal relationships, business and preserving the planet for future generations, is the topic of a one-hour radio special on "The Science of Gratitude" produced by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism and Ben Manilla Productions.

University of California, Berkeley

What takes them by surprise is the thorny topic of "contact hours", particularly for arts and humanities subjects.

BBC

The impetus for this special issue of BMC Medical Education arose from symposia on the topic of resident duty hours held at the annual International Conference on Residency Education in 2010 and 2011.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "topic of the hour" to emphasize the temporary relevance of a subject; for issues with long-term importance, consider alternatives like "enduring question".

Common error

Avoid using "topic of the hour" for issues that are not time-sensitive or currently trending, as it can create a sense of artificial urgency or misrepresent the issue's importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topic of the hour" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes the subject or issue that is currently receiving the most attention or is the most discussed, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "topic of the hour" denotes a currently relevant subject of discussion, as validated by Ludwig. Grammatically correct, it functions as a noun phrase to spotlight present-day issues. The phrase is most commonly used in news and media, carrying a neutral tone. While not very frequent, it aptly captures immediate relevance, making it an effective way to emphasize what's currently in focus. Ludwig's examples help illustrate its usage and alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current subject of discussion

Focuses on the present-day aspect of the subject being discussed.

hot topic

Implies that the subject is popular and generates much interest or debate.

subject at hand

Highlights the immediacy and direct relevance of the subject.

main focus right now

Emphasizes the concentration of attention on a particular subject at the present moment.

pressing issue

Suggests the subject is urgent and requires immediate attention.

matter of the moment

Highlights the temporality and present relevance of the issue.

dominant theme

Focuses on the overarching idea or concept that prevails in discussions.

center of attention

Indicates the subject receiving the most notice or interest.

popular discussion point

Highlights the widespread conversation and interest in the subject.

issue in vogue

Implies the topic is trendy and currently fashionable to discuss.

FAQs

How can I use "topic of the hour" in a sentence?

You can use "topic of the hour" to describe a subject that is currently being widely discussed and is of significant interest. For example, "The rising cost of living is the "current subject of discussion"."

What is a good alternative to "topic of the hour"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "hot topic", "pressing issue", or "subject at hand" to express the same idea.

When is it appropriate to use "topic of the hour"?

It's appropriate to use "topic of the hour" when referring to an issue that is currently trending and receiving widespread attention in the media or public discourse. It's less fitting for long-standing or perennial issues.

How does "topic of the hour" differ from "dominant theme"?

"Topic of the hour" emphasizes the immediate and temporary relevance of a subject, while "dominant theme" suggests a more pervasive and enduring idea that recurs across various contexts.