a separate story

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a separate story" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a topic or situation is distinct from the current discussion or narrative. Example: "While the main plot focuses on the hero's journey, the villain's backstory is a separate story that deserves its own exploration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Chasseriau might have been another, but that's a separate story).

The New York Times - Arts

He did once at my place, but that's a separate story.

The New York Times

He is perfectly aware that their connection with the rest of society is a separate story.

The New York Times - Books

"As to how the process will go in the courts is a separate story," he said.

The New York Times

The last six months of 2015 were the start of something else, a separate story half-told.

The Guardian - Sport

We have a separate story today covering reaction in some of the world's papers to Donald Trump's surrender to the Russians.

The Guardian

In a separate story, the senator warns he will be "ruthless" in using his numbers in the upper house to impose his agenda on the next government.

The Guardian

Like several other recent series, "American Crime" uses an anthology structure: each season tells a separate story, with the cast members in fresh roles.

The New Yorker

In a separate story, Britain's This Is Money gave a rundown of the companies that Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein considers ripe for buyouts.

The New York Times

Newsnight host Jeremy Paxman has admitted he "thought about" quitting the show after a scandal which saw an investigation into Jimmy Savile's sex crimes dropped and a separate story led to Lord McAlpine being wrongly accused of child abuse.

Independent

Mr. Calame said he agreed with Mr. Stevenson that there should have been "a separate story that anticipated the reaction the routine generated and explained its political significance, rather than waiting to capture it after the fact".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a separate story" to clearly indicate a shift in topic or narrative, ensuring the reader understands that the new information is not directly related to the previous discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "a separate story" when the information is actually relevant or provides context to the ongoing discussion. Ensure the separation is genuine to prevent reader confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a separate story" functions as a discourse marker or transitional phrase. It indicates that the speaker or writer is about to introduce a new topic, narrative, or aspect that is distinct from what has been previously discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a separate story" is a versatile discourse marker used to introduce new and unrelated topics or narratives. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate in a variety of writing styles. Its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker confirms its widespread usage. When using this phrase, ensure that the shift in topic is genuine to avoid reader confusion. Alternatives such as "a different story" or "an unrelated account" can be used for variety, but it is important to maintain the meaning of the original expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a separate narrative

Replaces 'story' with 'narrative', emphasizing the storytelling aspect.

a different story

Emphasizes the difference in narrative or subject matter.

a standalone story

Focuses on the self-contained nature of the story, independent of other narratives.

a distinct story

Highlights the clear and noticeable difference in the narrative.

a discrete account

Stresses the individual and unconnected nature of the account.

an unrelated account

Indicates no connection between the current subject and the new narrative.

an independent tale

Highlights the self-governing nature of the tale.

another story altogether

Highlights a complete shift to a new and different topic.

a diversion from the main topic

Implies a deliberate change of subject away from the primary focus.

an entirely different matter

Shifts focus from a narrative to a consideration of a subject or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a separate story" to introduce a new, unrelated topic or narrative. For example, "The main plot focuses on her career, but her family life is "a separate story" altogether."

What are some alternatives to saying "a separate story"?

You can use alternatives such as "a different story", "a distinct narrative", or "an unrelated account" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a separate story" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to signal to the reader that you are about to introduce a new topic or event that is not directly connected to the current discussion. It helps to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

Is "a separate story" interchangeable with "another story"?

While similar, ""a separate story"" emphasizes the distinct and unconnected nature of the new narrative, whereas "another story" can simply mean an additional narrative, possibly related in some way. "A separate story" is used to clearly demarcate the introduction of a completely different subject.