subject matter

Meaning

This term refers to the specific topic, theme, or content that is being taught, studied, written about, or discussed. It is often used in academic contexts to distinguish the actual content of a course from its format or teaching methods.

Examples

• The subject matter of this history course focuses primarily on the industrial revolution.

  The subject matter of this history course focuses primarily on the industrial revolution.

• Although the professor is engaging, the subject matter itself is quite dry and difficult.

  Although the professor is engaging, the subject matter itself is quite dry and difficult.

• You need to have a deep understanding of the subject matter before you can write a thesis on it.

  You need to have a deep understanding of the subject matter before you can write a thesis on it.

• The exam will cover all the subject matter discussed in the first three chapters of the textbook.

  The exam will cover all the subject matter discussed in the first three chapters of the textbook.

• Some students found the subject matter of the documentary to be quite controversial.

  Some students found the subject matter of the documentary to be quite controversial.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The subject matters of this class are very interesting.

  ✓ The subject matter of this class is very interesting.

  'Subject matter' is typically an uncountable noun when referring to the content of a specific course, so it should remain singular and take a singular verb.

• ✗ I don't understand the course's themes matter.

  ✓ I don't understand the course's subject matter.

  'Themes matter' is an incorrect literal translation. The correct academic collocation for the content of a course is 'subject matter'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Teachers must find creative ways to make difficult ___ engaging for younger students.

  💡 The specific topic or content being taught.

  Show answer

  subject matter

• Please stick to the ___ of the lecture during the Q&A session.

  💡 The main topic or theme of discussion.

  Show answer

  subject matter