change the subject — switch topic
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To start talking about something different, usually to avoid the current topic or to move the conversation in a new direction.
Say it like a native
Textbook She redirected the conversational topic to an unrelated matter.
Native She quickly changed the subject.
'Redirected the conversational topic' is jargon; 'changed the subject' is what people say.
Pattern: change the subject
In use
- Whenever politics come up, he quickly tries to change the subject.communication
- If I feel uncomfortable during a conversation, I usually try to change the subject by mentioning something more positive, like travel or hobbies.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ She changed of subject.
✓ She changed the subject.
'Change THE subject' — no 'of'.
Common collocations
change the subject— quickly, try to, abruptly, deliberately
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'change the topic', which is less common and less natural in spoken English.