a separate question

USAGE SUMMARY

"a separate question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a new topic or inquiry after having discussed another. For example, "We have discussed many options for the new project. As a separate question, will it be possible to include a timeline in our plan?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a separate question.

Harvard Business Review

Why people exaggerate is a separate question.

University of California, Berkeley

A separate question asked about toys.

Stanford University

Executions are, again, a separate question.

The New York Times

But that is a separate question".

The Guardian

Let me ask you a separate question.

The Washington Post

Whether they work is a separate question.

The New York Times

A separate question is whether she should.

The New Yorker

Q And just a separate question.

The Washington Post

"For us, that's a separate question from ultimate closure".

The New York Times - Science

Whether that forgiveness extends to me is a separate question.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a separate question", briefly contextualize its relevance to the overall discussion to maintain coherence.

Common error

Avoid using "a separate question" without a clear transition. Ensure the new question logically follows, or is at least relevant to, the preceding discussion to avoid abrupt shifts in topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a separate question" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a transition to a new, distinct topic or inquiry. This usage aligns with Ludwig's observation that it introduces new topics following prior discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a separate question" serves as a valuable tool for writers and speakers to indicate a transition to a new, distinct topic. As Ludwig's analysis indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. The phrase helps maintain clarity and organization in communication. When using "a separate question", it's important to ensure that the new question is relevant and logically connected to the preceding discussion to avoid abrupt shifts in topic. Alternatives such as "a different question" or "another question" can be used to add nuance. Remember to contextualize the new question to enhance coherence and guide your audience effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a different question

Changes the adjective to emphasize the distinction or dissimilarity of the question.

a distinct question

Emphasizes the clarity and separateness of the question.

another question

Simple and direct way to introduce a new question.

an alternative question

Suggests another option or possibility for the question being considered.

a new question

Emphasizes the novelty of the question.

an unrelated question

Highlights that the question is not connected or associated with the previous topic.

a further question

Indicates an additional question in a sequence.

an additional query

Formal alternative, using "query" instead of "question".

a secondary question

Presents the question as less important than the primary one.

a tangential question

Suggests the question is related but not directly relevant.

FAQs

How do I introduce "a separate question" in a conversation?

You can use the phrase to transition to a new, but related, topic. For example, "We've discussed the budget; as "a separate question", what about the timeline?"

What's a more formal way to say "a separate question"?

Consider using phrases like "an "an additional query"" or "a distinct point of inquiry" in formal contexts.

Is it always necessary to use a transition phrase like "a separate question" when changing topics?

While not always necessary, using a transition phrase like this ensures clarity and helps your audience follow your train of thought. It's especially useful when the new topic isn't immediately obvious.

What are some common synonyms for "a separate question"?

Alternatives include "a different question", "another question", or "an unrelated question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.