a discrete issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"a discrete issue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to something that is separate and distinct from other matters, and can be used in any type of written document. For example, "This report will examine a discrete issue: employee safety in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I don't see copyright infringement as a discrete issue.

MIT Technology Review

Although the jurisdictional question in this case is a discrete issue of statutory interpretation, it unfolds against the backdrop of a complex administrative scheme.

Cornell University

Or what about the attorney who wishes to help with a discrete issue in the brief but doesn't want his name associated with the whole thing because other portions of the brief are beneath his standards?

The Washington Post

But members are increasingly supporting limited immigration measures that center on a discrete issue, like shortening the green card process, which can now take years, for science and math Ph.D. candidates who wish to teach or work in the United States.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sheryl Sandberg has put her finger on something that is all too rarely discussed in a culture that views women's issues as a discrete subject that only affects half the population – and that can be remedied with laws mandating equal pay, paid family and sick leave, affordable child and flexible work schedules.

The Guardian - Opinion

These are all discrete issues to consider, but each informs the other.

Harvard Business Review

These assertions might find much more support in the authorities relied on by the Court and others if the issue under discussion was not the undefined category—expropriation—but the clearly discrete issue of adequate and effective compensation.

Cornell University

How else can one explain the division and recrimination that attend this one discrete issue?

Huffington Post

I'll attempt to break these down into a series of discrete issues that we can diagnose and fix if necessary.

Duke University

The language used both by interviewees and WHO's public documents portrays the sense of a constrained organization which is forced to discuss health as though it is a series of discrete issues which can be dealt with independently, even though the organization's leadership is aware that the reality is far more nuanced.

Globalization and Health

The justices have broken the case into four discrete issues, scheduling a separate session for each, for a total of six hours, the most in one case in more than 40 years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a discrete issue" when you want to clearly indicate that you are focusing on one specific, separate aspect of a larger topic. This helps to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "a discrete issue" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more direct phrases like "a separate thing" or "a different point" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a discrete issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "discrete" modifies the noun "issue". It serves to specify that the issue being discussed is distinct and separate from other considerations. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and suitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a discrete issue" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a separate and distinct matter. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for formal contexts such as news articles, academic papers, and professional reports. While relatively rare in everyday conversation, it serves to clearly define the scope of discussion and maintain clarity. Consider using alternatives like "a separate matter" or "a specific concern" to better suit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a separate matter

Focuses on the separateness of the issue.

a distinct problem

Emphasizes the problem aspect and its clear differentiation.

an isolated case

Highlights the isolated nature of the event or situation.

a specific concern

Underscores the specific and limited nature of the concern.

a self-contained question

Stresses the independence and completeness of the question.

an individual point

Highlights one particular item from several.

a singular aspect

Emphasizes a unique facet of a broader topic.

a particular detail

Focuses on a certain detail.

a demarcated subject

A clearly defined topic or field of study.

a circumscribed area

Highlights a limited and well-defined scope of inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "a discrete issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a discrete issue" to refer to a specific and separate problem or topic. For example, "The committee decided to address "a discrete issue" related to employee benefits separately from the overall budget discussion".

What are some alternatives to "a discrete issue"?

Alternatives to "a discrete issue" include "a separate matter", "a distinct problem", or "a specific concern". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "discrete" instead of "discreet" in the phrase "a discrete issue"?

Yes, "discrete" is the correct word. "Discrete" means separate and distinct, while "discreet" means subtle or careful. Therefore, "a discrete issue" refers to a separate issue.

When is it appropriate to use "a discrete issue" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "a discrete issue" in formal writing, reports, or academic papers when you need to emphasize that you are dealing with a specific, well-defined topic that is separate from other considerations.