a very different subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very different subject" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic that is distinct or unrelated to the current subject matter. Example: "While we were discussing climate change, it’s important to note that renewable energy is a very different subject that deserves its own focus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

This time, however, she chose a very different subject.

Independent

It's a very different subject from "American Pastoral," and it sparks a different kind of storytelling.

The New York Times - Books

A similar mood exudes from a very different subject dealt with in another postwar picture 19 years later.

The New York Times - Arts

"48 Hours," the CBS newsmagazine usually known for investigating murder mysteries, is about to tackle a very different subject: teenagers who are training to be Christian missionaries.

The New York Times - Arts

There can be little doubt that they will produce a very different subject and citizen because of the disparity in context.

The Guardian - Opinion

A year later, he was sitting in a courtroom in Boston, monitoring the health of a very different subject: the shares of Amgen, the biotechnology company.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

After explaining that the president "understands the pain and suffering" that medical marijuana eases in some people with terminal illnesses, the White House press secretary went on to say, "Recreational marijuana, that's a very, very different subject".

Vice

Spicer indicated that Trump supports medical marijuana, which is now legal in 28 states and Washington, D.C., but he said recreational marijuana use is "a very, very different subject".

Vice

"I may have to go back to loan sharking just to take a rest". Despite very different subject matter, Mr. Sonnenfeld directs "Get Shorty" in the glossy, cartoonish manner of his "Addams Family" films and "For Love or Money," his likable but overlooked Michael J. Fox comedy.

The New York Times

Even, perhaps especially, when dabbling with very different subject matter, a la Happy Feet one and Two and his criminally under-appreciated 1998 experiment Babe: Pig in the City.

The Guardian - Film

Although it's mere coincidence that they are transmitted within 24 hours - and they concern very different subjects - two new documentaries make a double-bill that intriguingly reflects the history of television.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very different subject" to smoothly transition to a new and unrelated topic in your writing or conversation, ensuring clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a very different subject" when the new topic is only slightly different or a direct extension of the original topic. It's best suited for transitions to genuinely distinct areas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very different subject" primarily serves as a transitional phrase. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in English to introduce a new topic that is distinct from the current one. It functions to signal a shift in focus to something unrelated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

31%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very different subject" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to introduce a new and unrelated topic. Ludwig provides numerous examples across different contexts like news, academic discussions, and scientific reports, demonstrating its versatility. The phrase functions as a transitional element, preparing the audience for a shift in focus. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it’s crucial to reserve it for genuinely distinct topics and, as Ludwig AI stated, not when the new topic is simply an extension of the current one. Related alternatives include "an entirely different matter" and "a completely unrelated topic", offering similar ways to signal a change in subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an entirely different matter

Emphasizes the complete separation and lack of connection between the two subjects.

a completely unrelated topic

Highlights the absence of any relationship or relevance between the subjects.

a distinct area of focus

Suggests a clear and well-defined separation in terms of the subject's scope and purpose.

a separate line of inquiry

Implies a different investigative path or method in exploring the new subject.

another subject altogether

Stresses that the new subject is a completely different entity and should be treated as such.

a contrasting theme

Highlights the difference between the subject matter and a theme that opposes the subject matter.

a divergent field

Suggests a field of study that is going in an opposite direction.

a departure from this topic

Emphasizes a move away from the current subject to something new and different.

a tangential subject

Highlights the connection with the subject matter is loose.

a world apart

Emphasizes the subjects are vastly different.

FAQs

How can I use "a very different subject" in a sentence?

You can use "a very different subject" to introduce a new topic that is unrelated to the current one. For example: "We've discussed marketing strategies, now let's move on to "a very different subject": financial planning."

What's a good alternative to "a very different subject"?

Alternatives include "an entirely different matter", "a completely unrelated topic", or "a distinct area of focus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a very different subject" in formal writing?

Yes, "a very different subject" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "an entirely different matter" for a slightly more elevated tone.

When is it not appropriate to use "a very different subject"?

Avoid using "a very different subject" if the new topic is closely related or a subtopic of the current discussion. It's best reserved for situations where the shift is significant and the topics are clearly distinct.