a side issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a side issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or concern that is not the main focus of discussion but is still relevant. Example: "While the budget is the primary concern, we should also address the side issue of employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's really a side issue.

The New York Times

That is, though, a side issue.

The New York Times

But that's a side issue.

The Guardian

For now, that's a side issue.

The New York Times - Sports

[The puppets] are a side issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the biographers are a side issue.

The New Yorker

I think that had become a side issue.

The Guardian - Sport

But human rights are not a side issue.

The Guardian

Instead Jeremy Hunt focused on a side issue.

The Guardian

But this is a side issue in "Signs".

The New York Times

But they weren't very Muslim; they only saw Islam as a side issue.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a side issue" when you want to acknowledge a related but less important point without derailing the main discussion. This keeps your writing focused and prevents confusion.

Common error

Avoid dedicating too much time to what is described as "a side issue". Briefly acknowledge it, then clearly steer the conversation back to the central topic to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a side issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something as secondary or less important compared to the main topic of discussion. As shown in Ludwig, this usage is widespread across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a side issue" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a secondary or less important point in a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse contexts, especially in news media and scientific publications. While it's useful for acknowledging related information, writing guidance emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on the primary topic. Alternatives such as "a minor concern" or "a tangential point" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Remember to use this phrase to enhance clarity and structure in your writing without getting sidetracked.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not the main focus

Clearly indicates that the issue is not central to the discussion.

a minor concern

Emphasizes the reduced importance of the issue.

a secondary matter

Highlights the issue's lower priority in a formal setting.

a supplementary concern

Highlights that the issue adds to the main problem but does not stand alone.

a tangential point

Suggests the issue is only loosely related to the main topic.

an incidental detail

Indicates the issue is insignificant and almost irrelevant.

a peripheral aspect

Focuses on the issue being on the edge of the main focus.

a subordinate element

Highlights the issue's hierarchical lower position.

a less important thing

Simple and direct way to express reduced significance.

a diversion

Suggests the issue detracts from the primary subject.

FAQs

How to use "a side issue" in a sentence?

Use "a side issue" to introduce a point that's connected but less critical than your main argument. For example, "While funding is crucial, staffing shortages are "a side issue" we must also address".

What can I say instead of "a side issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor concern", "a secondary matter", or "a tangential point" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a side issue" or "the side issue"?

"A side issue" is generally used to introduce a new secondary point. "The side issue" implies a specific, previously mentioned secondary point.

What's the difference between "a side issue" and "the main issue"?

"A side issue" is a secondary, less important point. "The main issue" is the primary, most important point being discussed. Addressing the main issue is usually the priority.