a separate discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"a separate discussion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a different conversation or topic from the one you are currently discussing. For example, "We should have a separate discussion about how to divide up the responsibilities for this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Still, the wasted money is, in a sense, a separate discussion, he said.

The New York Times - Health

The urban politics and economics of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn deserve a separate discussion.

The New York Times - Sports

Sadly it rather looks like policing may be taken out of everybody's control, but that is possibly a separate discussion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Talks with Turkey will resume over dinner on Monday, after the EU 28 hold a separate discussion on tackling the refugee crisis inside Europe.

The Guardian

"Analytics is so baked into everything we do that I can't even imagine having a separate discussion about it," he said.

The New Yorker

Mr. Armstrong will join Jordan Roth, president of the Jujamcyn Theaters, for a separate discussion at the 92nd Street Y on Sunday evening.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

A statement from his office said New Zealand was not contemplating any separate discussion with Nauru.

The Guardian

The debate over the welfare system is a "completely separate discussion, it should not be had in the context of the most appalling crime of a father killing his six children", he said.

The Guardian

And there's a whole separate discussion about the benefits to humankind when we understand each other's cultures better -- a result that can in some measure be achieved through language study.

Huffington Post

The protracted stalemate has only reached crisis proportions because the president has allowed Congress to be diverted from raising the debt ceiling to a distinctly separate discussion of dealing with the budget deficit.

Huffington Post

(New Jersey's education costs are a whole separate discussion -- but suffice it to say that pouring money into the Newark school system over the decades has done nothing to reverse its steep decline).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a separate discussion", briefly explain why it warrants its own dedicated focus. This helps to set expectations and avoid derailing the current conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "a separate discussion" merely as a way to avoid uncomfortable or challenging aspects of the current topic. If you introduce a new topic, be prepared to engage with it or explain why it truly warrants a different time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a separate discussion" serves as a noun phrase indicating the need for a distinct and independent conversation or deliberation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signals that a topic requires more attention than can be given immediately. It often prefaces a shift to a different agenda item.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a separate discussion" is a common phrase used to indicate that a topic requires its own dedicated conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various settings. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science sources, indicating its widespread use in both formal and informal contexts. To enhance clarity in your writing, use this phrase to signal a planned shift in focus, and ensure that the need for a separate discussion is justified. Consider using alternative phrases like "a distinct conversation" or "an independent analysis" to vary your language. Be mindful of overuse and ensure that it serves a genuine purpose, not just as a way to deflect from challenging topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct conversation

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the conversation.

a different debate

Focuses on a formal argument or disagreement, set apart from the current one.

an independent analysis

Highlights the autonomous and thorough nature of the analysis.

a standalone meeting

Stresses that the meeting is not connected to any other.

a self-contained discourse

Implies the discourse is comprehensive and complete in itself.

a dedicated session

Focuses on allocating specific time and effort.

a parallel inquiry

Indicates an investigation running alongside another, but separate.

a tangential point

Highlights a point only slightly related to the main topic.

a side issue

Emphasizes that the topic is secondary and not the main focus.

an unrelated matter

Indicates that the topic is completely disconnected from the current discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "a separate discussion" in a sentence?

You can use "a separate discussion" to indicate that a topic needs to be addressed independently. For example, "The budget is one issue, but employee satisfaction warrants "a separate discussion"."

What's the difference between "a separate discussion" and "a different discussion"?

"A separate discussion" implies the topic will be addressed at another time, while "a different discussion" simply means the topic is not the same as the current one. They're often interchangeable, but "separate" emphasizes a planned division, for example, you might say "Let's schedule "a separate meeting" for that".

What can I say instead of "a separate discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "a distinct conversation", "an independent analysis", or "a dedicated session" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to have a separate discussion when suggested?

Not always. Consider if the 'separate' topic is genuinely distinct or can be briefly addressed now. If it's a minor tangent or easily resolved, a short explanation might suffice. The key is whether it significantly detracts from the main focus.