Meaning & use
the main topic
Last updated
UK/ðə meɪn ˈtɒpɪk/
US/ðə meɪn ˈtɑːpɪk/
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
the most important subject that something is about
Grammar: Often followed by 'of' + noun: the main topic of the lecture.
Patterns
- the main topic of something
- the main topic in something
- the main topic for discussion
The main topic of the lecture was climate change.
What is the main topic of your essay?
The main topic for discussion at the meeting was the new budget.
Common combinations
- the main topic of conversation
- The weather is always the main topic of conversation here.
- the main topic of the article
- The main topic of the article is social media and teenagers.
- introduce the main topic
- The teacher introduced the main topic with a short video.
- change the main topic
- Let's change the main topic and talk about something happier.
Synonyms and how they differ
- subject
- Subject is very common and can also mean a field of study; the main topic is more specific to what a text or talk is about.
- theme
- Theme is often used for an idea that repeats in a work of art or literature; the main topic is more neutral.
- issue
- Issue suggests a problem or matter that people debate; the main topic can be anything, not only a problem.
Word family
Commonly confused: the main topic or the main point?
the main topic vs the main point
The main point is the most important idea or message, not the general subject: the main point of the talk was that we must act now.
Practice
The main topic ___ the discussion was housing.
Choose one answer.
We say 'the main topic of the discussion'. 'On' is used with 'a talk on housing', but not in this phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the main topic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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