ultimate subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ultimate subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most important or final topic of discussion in a particular context. Example: "In our debate about climate change, the ultimate subject we need to address is the impact of human activity on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Intimacy is his ultimate subject.

The New York Times

"Passion is the ultimate subject, isn't it?

The New York Times

Death is the ultimate subject for a poet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whether either approach can save these creatures is the ultimate subject of Quammen's investigations.

The New York Times - Books

Entropy seems to be the ultimate subject for the great bafflers – Bellow, Gaddis and Pynchon.

The Guardian - Books

This is the ultimate subject of all worthwhile memoirs, even those that come disguised as a motley gathering of essays.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

First, whereas the subject criterion of the Categories told us that substances were the ultimate subjects of predication, the subject criterion envisaged here is supposed to tell us what the substance of something is.

SEP

Against the adjectival reading, and in favor of the view (promoted by Curley 1988) that Spinozistic bodies and minds are ultimate subjects of predication, is Spinoza's persistent references to bodies as individuals and as things.

SEP

And Williams has done it all as the ultimate outsider, subject to misguided criticism and bigotry throughout her career.

The Guardian - Sport

"In a way, these leaves are Malcolm's ultimate biographical subject," said Ms. Smith, who most recently edited "Two Lives," Ms. Malcolm's 2007 examination of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas.

The New York Times - Arts

Dokoupil, whom Condo had met in New York, invited him to use the studio he had just vacated, and Condo embarked on a series of very odd clown paintings — the ultimate kitsch subject, "painted like Rembrandts".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ultimate subject", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes it the most important or final consideration. For example, "The "ultimate subject" of the debate was not the individual policies, but the underlying ethical principles."

Common error

Avoid using "ultimate subject" when a simpler term like "main topic" or "key issue" suffices. Overusing "ultimate" can diminish its impact and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ultimate subject" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the most important topic, theme, or consideration within a given context. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ultimate subject" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that identifies the most important topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While versatile, it's most common in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, maintaining a mostly neutral tone. When writing, ensure the context justifies the emphasis implied by "ultimate", avoiding overuse for maximum impact. Consider alternatives like "definitive subject", "primary subject", or "fundamental subject" to adjust the level of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitive subject

Emphasizes the conclusive and authoritative nature of the subject.

real subject

Highlights the genuine and authentic nature of the subject.

genuine subject

Underscores the authenticity and unadulterated essence of the subject.

fundamental subject

Focuses on the basic and essential nature of the subject.

optimal subject

Suggests the subject is the most suitable or desirable choice.

paramount subject

Emphasizes the supreme importance and significance of the subject.

primary subject

Highlights the subject's role as the main or principal focus.

eventual subject

Implies that the subject becomes the focus after a period of time.

overarching subject

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the subject, spanning across various aspects.

overriding subject

Suggests the subject takes precedence over other considerations.

FAQs

How can I use "ultimate subject" in a sentence?

You can use "ultimate subject" to refer to the most important or fundamental topic under consideration. For example, "The "ultimate subject" of this research is the long-term effects of climate change".

What phrases can I use instead of "ultimate subject"?

Alternatives include "definitive subject", "primary subject", or "fundamental subject" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "ultimate subject" and "main topic"?

"Ultimate subject" implies a deeper, more fundamental importance, often suggesting a final or most essential consideration. "Main topic" is a more general term for the central theme.

Is it appropriate to use "ultimate subject" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "ultimate subject" is more suited for formal or academic contexts. In informal conversation, simpler terms like "main thing" or "key point" might be more appropriate.