Meaning & use
change the subject
Last updated
Meaning
phraseidiom
To start talking about something different, especially to avoid an uncomfortable topic.
Grammar: Used as an intransitive verb phrase: you change the subject, not change the subject of something.
Patterns
- change the subject
- try to change the subject
- quickly change the subject
When the conversation turned to money, she quickly changed the subject.
He tried to change the subject whenever his ex-girlfriend was mentioned.
Let's change the subject and talk about something happier.
Common combinations
- quickly change the subject
- She quickly changed the subject when asked about her plans.
- try to change the subject
- He tried to change the subject, but she insisted on an answer.
- change the subject abruptly
- The interviewer changed the subject abruptly.
- let's change the subject
- Let's change the subject and enjoy the party.
Synonyms and how they differ
- switch topics
- Similar meaning, but more neutral and less likely to suggest avoiding something awkward.
- digress
- To move away from the main topic in speech or writing, often unintentionally; 'change the subject' is deliberate.
Commonly confused: change the subject or change subjects?
change the subject vs change subjects
This is not the usual idiom. The fixed phrase is 'change the subject' (singular).
Practice
When the talk became awkward, he decided to ______.
Choose one answer.
The fixed idiom is 'change the subject' with the definite article and singular noun. The other options are not standard English idioms.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “change the subject”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.