topicalizes

Topicalizes is the verb form of topicalize, meaning to make a constituent the topic of a clause or discourse. In linguistic analysis, to topicalize is to mark or present a unit—such as a subject, object, or clause—as the topic, with the remainder of the sentence or surrounding discourse framed as comment about that topic. Topicalization helps manage information structure by signaling what is assumed known or by contrasting it with other potential topics.

Different languages realize topicalization in different ways. In English, topicalization is often achieved by fronting a constituent to the left edge of the clause and using intonation to mark contrast or focus, as in That book, I bought yesterday. Other methods include introductory phrases such as “As for X” to establish a topic. In languages with explicit topic markers, such as Japanese, the topic is marked with a particle (for example, wa) and presented before the comment; the language then follows with a predicate about that topic. Some languages employ dedicated word order or cleft constructions to foreground a topic.

Topicalization interacts with information structure, discourse function, and givenness. Topics are typically information that is assumed to be known or that serves to contrast with other possible topics. The study of topicalization spans syntax, pragmatics, and typology, and it plays a central role in how speakers structure messages, manage focus, and guide listener interpretation.