a separate problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a separate problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue that is distinct from another issue being addressed. Example: "While we have made progress on the main project, we still need to address a separate problem that has arisen with the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dying trees are a separate problem, he said.

The New York Times

The other cases of liver failure are a separate problem.

The New York Times - Health

NO HARM TO CONCESSIONS Return of Them to China is a Separate Problem Awaiting Mutual Settlement.

The New York Times

The dwindling numbers of customers inside Kmart stores, meanwhile, presents a separate problem for Ms. Stewart's company.

The New York Times

A separate problem is the heaviness of some of Mr. Krakoff's coats, which he made central to the collection.

The New York Times

And there is a separate problem involving an insulator and power cable at the medical Center stop.

The Washington Post

A separate problem that also has become intertwined with violence and religious extremism in Mali is a thriving drug trade.

The Washington Post

I'll miss those, too, but the loss of Christian or religious concepts is a separate problem and in some ways less serious.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Daytime bird window collisions, which occur when a bird does not perceive a glass barrier, is a separate problem and not taken into account in this study).

The New York Times

In a separate problem, investigators are trying to determine whether false owners are listed as stockholders of Yorktown's parent corporation, the S.I.R. Management Corporation.

The New York Times

For the most part, each figure is a separate problem; most Chavin compositions consist of a single principal figure which stands or acts alone, although it may have smaller subsidiary figures associated with it.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a separate problem" to clearly delineate distinct issues in discussions, ensuring each receives appropriate attention and isn't conflated with other matters.

Common error

Avoid using "a separate problem" when the issue is directly related to the primary one; instead, clarify the connection or interdependence between them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a separate problem" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a particular issue as being distinct and unrelated to another issue currently under consideration. As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a separate problem" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for indicating a distinct and unrelated issue. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, particularly within news, scientific, and academic domains. When writing, it's important to use the phrase accurately to distinguish issues clearly, avoiding its use when matters are directly related. Alternatives such as "a distinct issue" or "an unrelated concern" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Using "a separate problem" accurately helps ensure clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct issue

Emphasizes the clear and recognizable difference of the issue.

an unrelated concern

Highlights the lack of connection between the problem and the current discussion.

a different challenge

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the separate matter.

an independent matter

Stresses the self-contained nature of the issue.

another complication

Suggests that this problem adds difficulty to an already complex situation.

a discrete matter

Implies the issue is distinct and can be treated individually.

an alternative predicament

Highlights that the problem is a difficult or unpleasant situation.

a tangential issue

Indicates a connection to the main subject but diverges from it.

a parallel difficulty

Describes a difficulty occurring alongside the main issue.

a secondary concern

Shows that the problem is less important than the primary issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a separate problem" to introduce an issue that is distinct from the one currently being discussed. For example, "While the budget is a concern, the staffing shortage is "a separate problem" that also requires immediate attention".

What are some alternatives to "a separate problem"?

Some alternatives include "a distinct issue", "an unrelated concern", or "a different challenge", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a separate problem"?

Use "a separate problem" when you want to emphasize that an issue is not directly caused by or related to the main problem being discussed and needs to be addressed independently.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a separate problem"?

It might be incorrect if the issue is closely linked or a direct consequence of the main problem. In such cases, it's better to describe the relationship rather than presenting it as "a distinct issue".