topics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "topics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to subjects or themes that are being discussed, studied, or considered. Example: "The conference will cover a variety of topics, including technology, education, and health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We do retain some traditional parts of high school; kids still need to earn credit and study certain topics but we go about studying them a little differently," she explains.

The Guardian

Welcome to You Tell Us, the thread on which you can share your ideas for topics we should be covering on Comment is free.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the end only half that number could be accommodated but to do so the organisers had to hire extra venues to cater for meetings on an astonishing range of social and political topics.

The Guardian

A bookseller recently told me there are several topics that guarantee a bestselling book in the US.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This does not come out because normally we are reticent; we are not allowed to speak; we have various kinds of rules and regulations that prevent us from speaking about various topics.

The Guardian

Courtney Barnett: Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit Barnett can turn the most seemingly mundane topics – house-hunting, insomnia or swimming in a public pool – into scuzzy, indie-pop demonstrations of lyrical prowess.

The Guardian - Music

I want a mediated solution based on key topics, such as the ridiculous payment for aborted hearings, using the good offices of an experienced retired senior judge.

The Guardian - Opinion

We chewed over the usual unremarkable topics: The X Factor, future plans, idle gossip, the new Bond film.

The Guardian - Opinion

As well as Bradby's new key role on election day, during the election campaign ITV will also be airing twice-weekly live editions of Bradby's weekly discussion show The Agenda, which features topics ranging from politics to popular culture.

The Guardian

The questions economists seek to answer, the tools they use to help find the answers (that's principally maths, rather than the applied topics that research suggests women are drawn to), the standard assumptions they make along the way (that people are emotionless, free and selfish), and the things they choose to measure all reflect a traditional and stereotypical male way of looking at the world.

The Guardian

The site's database, with case studies and research on topics from crop ecology to disease management, is a resource for practitioners and researchers in developing countries seeking to improve agricultural systems and adapt to the changing climate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "topics", ensure clarity by specifying the context or field they belong to. For instance, "topics in environmental science" or "political topics".

Common error

Avoid using "topics" without providing sufficient context. Instead of saying "the topics were interesting", specify what made them interesting or what field they related to.

Linguistic Context

The word "topics" functions primarily as a noun, specifically the plural form of "topic". It is used to denote multiple subjects or themes that are being discussed, studied, or considered. Ludwig confirms that "topics" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "topics" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig confirms this assessment. It serves to denote multiple subjects or themes in discussions or studies. When using "topics", clarity is key; specify the context to enhance understanding. Alternative phrases include ""subjects of discussion"" or "themes under consideration". Overall, "topics" is a versatile and essential term for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjects of discussion

Focuses on the act of discussing specific subjects.

themes under consideration

Highlights the thematic aspect and active consideration.

areas of focus

Emphasizes the focused attention on particular areas.

matters at hand

Indicates the relevance and immediacy of the matters.

points of interest

Highlights the interesting or noteworthy aspects.

talking points

Focuses on specific points intended for discussion.

agenda items

Refers to items listed on an agenda for a meeting or discussion.

subject matters

A more formal way of saying subjects.

thematic elements

Highlights specific elements related to the theme.

issues in question

Focuses on issues that are being questioned or debated.

FAQs

How to use "topics" in a sentence?

You can use "topics" to refer to subjects of discussion, areas of focus, or themes under consideration. For example, "The lecture covered various "subjects of discussion" related to modern physics."

What can I say instead of "topics"?

You can use alternatives like "subjects", "themes", or "issues" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "topics" or "subject matters"?

"Topics" and "subject matters" are both correct, but "topics" is generally more common and informal. "Subject matters" is often used in more formal or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "topics" and "themes"?

"Topics" generally refer to specific subjects or areas of discussion, while "themes" refer to overarching ideas or recurring motifs. A conference might cover several "topics" related to the central "theme" of sustainability.