a secondary issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secondary issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter that is not the main focus or priority in a discussion or situation. Example: "While the budget is a primary concern, the timeline is a secondary issue that we can address later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Democracy is a secondary issue.

The New York Times

But that's a secondary issue.

The New York Times

That is a secondary issue.

The New York Times

Even weak institutions are a secondary issue.

The Economist

Accuracy is now a secondary issue.

The New Yorker

The snow was a secondary issue in many cases.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why do we insist that race is a secondary issue?

The New Yorker

Coöperation on Al Qaeda was now a secondary issue.

The New Yorker

"In Cyprus, the economy is a secondary issue," he says.

The Economist

Whether or when they wear the Roman collar after that is a secondary issue".

The New York Times

Whether or not Gray held a gun was a secondary issue for some.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a secondary issue", ensure that the primary issue is clearly defined to provide context and avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid treating "a secondary issue" as if it were the main problem, as this can distract from addressing the most critical aspects of a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secondary issue" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes something that is of lesser importance compared to the primary focus. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to downplay the significance of a particular matter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a secondary issue" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate that something is of lesser importance compared to the primary focus. As Ludwig's examples show, this phrase appears across various contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. When using this phrase, make sure that the context makes it clear which point is the main one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a less important matter

Directly indicates a reduced level of significance compared to other matters.

a side issue

Indicates that it's a separate issue that's not the main point of discussion.

a minor concern

Focuses on the level of worry or attention required, implying a problem that is not significant.

a lower priority item

Emphasizes its position in a list of importance or urgency.

a subsidiary problem

Suggests that it's an additional issue related to a more central problem.

an ancillary concern

Highlights that it's a supplementary or supporting concern.

a peripheral matter

Implies that the issue is on the edge or outside the main area of focus.

a tangential point

Highlights that the issue is only loosely connected or slightly relevant.

a subordinate question

Indicates a question that depends on or is caused by a more important question.

a trivial detail

Suggests the issue is small and insignificant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a secondary issue" to indicate something that is less important than the main topic. For example, "While the budget is the primary concern, the timeline is "a secondary issue" that we can address later".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a secondary issue"?

Similar phrases include "a minor concern", "a less important matter", or "a side issue", all indicating reduced importance.

When is it appropriate to use "a secondary issue"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge a point but clarify that it's not the central focus or most pressing concern. Make sure the primary issue is clearly defined.

Is there a more formal alternative to "a secondary issue"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "a subsidiary problem" or "an ancillary concern" in more formal contexts.