a side question

USAGE SUMMARY

'a side question' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you want to ask a question that is related to the main topic, but not integral to it. For example, "We were discussing the best way to approach this project, but I had a side question about the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mine is a side question.

The New Yorker

A side question though is whether - assuming there is sapphire in the next iPhone screens - this will damage the business of iPhone repair companies.

The Guardian - Tech

Forbes: And a side question on that.

Forbes

And there's a side question: what if this cloud phone is a data-only device?

TechCrunch

But there's a side question that will go along with that launch: what will happen to the iPad 1? Will it go cheap?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I think the place to begin is to note that this is not just a supply-side question; there are lots of places in the world where it is difficult to build but where prices remain low because no one wants to live there.

The Economist

Or will he become a side note, a Question of Sport mystery guest, the future answer to an ItBox question about that British heavyweight whose title shot was knocked back by one of the big boys?

Vice

Yet the storm of reporting and commentary obscured a fascinating side-question.

Huffington Post

Suddenly, Strauss finds his position in the 50-over side questioned if not yet threatened.

Independent

The other side questions that notion.

Huffington Post

In the midst of touring and working on her sophomore album, which methinks will be anything but sophomoric, Charli recorded "SuperLove" exclusively for A-Sides and fielded questions on everything from her age, work ethic, and yeah, ah-huh, Lorde.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a side question" to introduce a relevant but not critical inquiry during a discussion, presentation, or Q&A session to manage the flow of information.

Common error

Avoid derailing the main conversation with too many "side questions". Keep them brief and relevant to maintain focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a side question" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce a query that is related but not central to the main discussion. Ludwig examples confirm its role in presenting tangential but relevant points in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a side question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a secondary, yet relevant, inquiry. According to Ludwig, it's perfectly acceptable in written English and finds common use in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While not exceedingly frequent, it serves the purpose of raising related points without disrupting the main subject. When employing this phrase, aim for brevity and relevance to maintain a focused conversation. Consider alternatives like "a related question" or "an ancillary question" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a related question

Emphasizes the connection of the inquiry to the main topic.

an ancillary question

Highlights the supportive and subordinate nature of the inquiry.

a supplementary question

Suggests the question adds to the main discussion.

a tangential question

Indicates the question deviates slightly from the main subject.

a secondary question

Focuses on the lower importance of the question.

a follow-up question

Implies the question is asked as a result of a previous answer.

a connected question

Stresses the link between the secondary inquiry and the main subject.

a probing question

Highlights the explorative nature of the inquiry.

a speculative question

Implies the question is based on conjecture.

a hypothetical question

Suggests the question presents a theoretical scenario.

FAQs

How can I use "a side question" in a sentence?

You can introduce a tangential but related point using "a side question", for example: "We're discussing marketing strategies, but I have "a side question" about budget allocation."

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

"A side question" addresses a secondary or related issue, while "a main question" focuses on the primary topic of discussion. For example, the main question might be, "What's our project deadline?" and "a side question" might be, "What resources are available to ensure timely completion?"

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

Alternatives include "a related question", "an ancillary question", or "a supplementary question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to ask "a side question" in a formal setting?

Yes, it can be appropriate, but ensure the "side question" is relevant to the main topic and phrased respectfully to avoid disrupting the flow of the meeting or presentation.