a tangential issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tangential issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or concern that is related to the main subject but not central to it. Example: "While discussing the budget, we also touched on a tangential issue regarding employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"This is not a tangential issue," Mr. Heidinger said.

The New York Times

The WARN Act is a tangential issue in a case pending before the Supreme Court.

The New York Times

Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala). saw McConnell as a tangential issue to Alabama voters, who know Moore well from his controversial record as a staunch social conservative on the state Supreme Court.

The Washington Post

Alanis Morrissette had a recent article in the Daily Beast addressing a tangential issue.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And, health care was — at best — a tangential topic.

The Washington Post

Then, just when another pie-chart display could have sparked audience rebellion, he energized the room by suddenly declaring war on the City University of New York -- a tangential budgetary issue at best.

The New York Times

While it might be tempting to dismiss this "caste system" phenomenon as a tangential "diversity issue," the dynamic that it creates is powerful, pervasive and consequential.

Forbes

Indeed, the investigation was not about some tangential issue.

The Washington Post

Since I don't know if I'll be coming back to the Israel-Hamas issue again in the near future, I wanted to address one tangential issue that demonstrates the moral gap between Israel and Hamas.

Huffington Post

It is instead about the preservation of the white race and tangential issues, including preventing a New World Order and international government, as well as protecting citizens from government spying, he said.

Vice

And some wanted to address tangential issues.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a tangential issue", briefly explain its connection to the main topic to ensure the audience understands its relevance, however minor it may be.

Common error

Avoid dedicating excessive time or space to "a tangential issue", as this can dilute the main message and confuse readers. Keep the focus on the primary subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tangential issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a topic that is related to the main subject but not of central importance, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tangential issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a topic connected to the main subject, yet not central to it. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears across various sources like news outlets, scientific publications, and academic papers, marking its versatility and reliability. While the phrase is considered correct, it’s crucial to avoid overemphasizing such issues to maintain clarity. Employing alternative phrases such as "a peripheral concern" or "a side issue" can provide stylistic variation. Always ensure that tangential points are acknowledged but do not overshadow the primary subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a peripheral concern

Focuses on the outer edges of the subject, implying less importance.

a secondary matter

Highlights the lower importance compared to the primary issue.

a related aside

Suggests a brief departure from the main topic that is still connected.

a side issue

Indicates a point that branches off from the main subject.

an incidental detail

Emphasizes the lack of significance regarding the core topic.

a non-essential point

Directly states the lack of necessity or cruciality.

a marginally relevant subject

Highlights the limited relevance to the main discussion.

a loosely connected topic

Underscores the weak connection to the central theme.

a somewhat related digression

Implies a temporary departure from the main point that is vaguely linked.

a roundabout concern

Suggests that it circles around the main topic without directly addressing it.

FAQs

How can I effectively introduce "a tangential issue" in my writing?

Begin by clearly stating the main topic, then use phrases like "related to this" or "as an aside" to smoothly introduce the tangential point. This helps maintain focus while acknowledging related information.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a tangential issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a peripheral concern", "a secondary matter", or "a side issue", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to completely ignore "a tangential issue" in academic writing?

While focusing on the core topic is crucial, briefly acknowledging "a tangential issue" can demonstrate a comprehensive understanding. However, ensure it doesn't overshadow the primary focus of your research or argument.

When is it best to avoid discussing "a tangential issue"?

It's best to avoid discussing "a tangential issue" if it significantly distracts from the main topic, adds unnecessary complexity, or isn't relevant to the overall argument or analysis.