main topic — most important subject
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
the most important subject or idea being discussed or focused on
Say it like a native
Textbook The central theme of our discourse was climate change.
Native The main topic was climate change.
'Main topic' is plain and natural; 'central theme of our discourse' is academic.
Pattern: main topic (of something)
In use
- The main topic of today's meeting is how to improve customer service.communication
- In my opinion, the main topic of the article is the importance of teamwork in achieving success.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ The main topic of the meeting was about the budget.
✓ The main topic of the meeting was the budget.
Don't add 'about' after 'was' — 'the topic was the budget'.
Common collocations
the main topic + of— of the meeting, of conversation, of the lesson, today
Don't confuse it
‘Main topic’ is more specific than just ‘topic’—it means the most important or central one.