a secondary topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secondary topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a subject that is not the main focus but still relevant to the overall discussion or context. Example: "While the primary focus of the meeting was budget allocation, we also touched on a secondary topic regarding employee training programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But that figures to be a secondary topic in Chicago this morning.

The New York Times

But as Mr. Gingrich made eye contact with a smattering of reporters, he said, "I know a number of you may have come for a secondary topic".

The New York Times

It was a measure of the furore surrounding Trapattoni that the second most comprehensive competitive victory of his reign was a secondary topic on an eventful evening in the Faroes.

Independent

On Saturday Kelly said of coaching in the N.F.L.: "It's flattering if there is interest, which I don't know that there is, but again, that is such a secondary topic for me right now.

The New York Times - Sports

Authors distinguish between (a) websites that criticize all vaccines ("antivaccine" websites) and websites that criticize only some vaccines ("vaccine-selective" websites), and between (b) websites that focus on vaccines ("vaccine-focused" websites) and those for which vaccines were only a secondary topic of interest ("generalist" websites).

Vaccine

Pain has featured as a secondary topic in studies of oral health, end of life care, and the measurement of pain in the context of homelessness.

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

National security has been largely a secondary campaign topic at a time of high unemployment and rising national debt.

The New York Times

After a bland cold-open, wherein actor and host Margot Robbie "fact-checked" her monologue alongside a stream of available cast members, the show shifted to its secondary topic for the evening – how pretty Margot Robbie is.

The Guardian

The Libya attack has risen to the forefront of the campaign even as other foreign policy issues, like the war in Afghanistan and the building confrontation with Iran, have remained secondary topics.

The New York Times

Each primary topic has secondary topics under which data are evaluated.

Forest Ecology and Management

What is noticeable is that hot topics (1) to (3) mostly relate to expanding services in OC retailing, while secondary topics (4) and (5) focus more or less on reducing logistics costs.

Business Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a secondary topic" when you want to acknowledge a subject's relevance without making it the central focus of your discussion. This helps maintain clarity and prioritize information for your audience.

Common error

Avoid giving disproportionate attention to "a secondary topic" if it risks overshadowing the primary focus of your writing or conversation. Ensure it remains supportive and doesn't distract from the main point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secondary topic" functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it introduces a subject of lesser importance in relation to the main focus of a discussion or written piece. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

44%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a secondary topic" is a noun phrase used to introduce a less important, yet related, subject within a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While it's not as frequent as other common phrases, it serves a valuable purpose in prioritizing information and maintaining focus. Its presence in news, scientific, and general writing indicates its versatility. Related phrases include "a minor subject" and "a subordinate issue". When using this phrase, ensure it doesn't overshadow the primary topic and clearly signal its lesser importance to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor subject

Emphasizes the reduced importance of the subject in relation to others.

a subordinate issue

Highlights the hierarchical relationship, indicating less power or influence.

a tangential point

Suggests the topic is only loosely connected or deviates from the main subject.

an ancillary theme

Indicates a supporting or supplementary theme.

a less significant matter

Directly states the reduced importance of the topic.

a side issue

Highlights that the topic is distinct and separate from the main concern.

a peripheral concern

Suggests the topic is on the edge or outside the main area of focus.

a lower priority item

Indicates the topic is ranked lower in terms of importance or urgency.

a supplementary aspect

Suggests the topic adds to or completes the main subject but isn't essential.

a background element

Implies the topic forms part of the setting or context but isn't the main focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "a secondary topic" to introduce a subject that is related but not central to the main discussion. For example: "While the main focus is on marketing, we should also address "a secondary topic": customer service improvements."

What are some alternatives to "a secondary topic"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a minor subject", "a subordinate issue", or "a tangential point" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "the secondary topic" instead of "a secondary topic"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "the secondary topic" implies that there's a specific secondary topic already identified or understood in the context, whereas "a secondary topic" introduces a new, less important topic.

How do I introduce "a secondary topic" without confusing my audience?

Clearly signal that the topic is of lesser importance compared to the main subject. You can use introductory phrases like "Another point to consider, though less critical, is..." or "While not our primary concern, "a side issue" we should address is...".