on a different problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a different problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an issue or topic that is separate from the one currently being addressed. Example: "While we have made progress on the current issue, we still need to focus on a different problem that has arisen."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

As I always tell students, it often happens that when looking for a lab project one ends up working on a different problem than the one their project was initially about.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

But some scientists are urging consumers to focus on a different problem: the lack of hazard information on the thousands of chemicals in everyday products.

The New York Times

When she first arrived in Nigeria she planned to work on a different problem altogether, but quickly realised that a simple lack of lighting in rural areas was responsible for an unacceptable number of mother and child deaths.

The Guardian

But while new entrants crowd into the Union, back in Brussels the finest minds at the European Commission are concentrating on a different problem: how to kick countries out.

The Economist

Then he heard about a team at the University of Sydney, in Australia, led by Brian Hawkett, which was working on a different problem in ferrofluidics in collaboration with Sirtex, an American biotechnology firm.Dr Hawkett and his collaborators had developed exactly the kind of liquid Dr King needed one that was both ionic and reactive to magnetic fields.

The Economist

Summize took technology focused on a different problem space and business strategy and diverted it to the emerging Twitter data stream to great effect.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Contra Burge, the latter can seem more plausible and so, the entitlement may need to be explained on independent grounds.Also, for a different problem with Burge's view on critical reasoning, see the supplementary document, A Problem with Critical Reasoning.

SEP

The 25-year-old injured his thigh in training on Tuesday and scans show a different problem to the ones that have limited him to three games this season.

BBC

In other words, while Sprout (and competitors) should always be a little wary of platform players who may decide to simply kick them off in the name of business, there are always going to be opportunities if they have the resources double down on more tech to solve a different problem, or simply execute on fixing an existing problem better.

TechCrunch

Luxembourg, with no customs booths or checkpoints on the German border, poses a different problem.

The New York Times

Running OpenStack itself on top of containers is a different problem, though.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a different problem" to clearly signal a change in the subject of discussion or analysis, ensuring your audience understands the shift in focus.

Common error

Avoid using "on a different problem" if the new issue is directly related or a sub-component of the original problem. Instead, consider using phrases that indicate a continuation or deeper dive into the same overall subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a different problem" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, noun, or clause, indicating a shift in focus or activity. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is usable and correct in written English, suggesting a clear and recognized grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a different problem" is a prepositional phrase used to clearly indicate a shift in focus from one issue to another. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in science and news media. While alternatives like "regarding another issue" or "concerning a separate matter" exist, this phrase serves to signal a change in topic effectively. Remember to reserve this construction for scenarios where the problem is distinctly different from the one previously discussed, avoiding its use when addressing closely related sub-issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding another issue

Specifies a shift of attention to a separate issue.

concerning a separate matter

Indicates dealing with a distinct and unrelated matter.

focusing on an alternative challenge

Emphasizes the concentration on a new, distinct challenge.

addressing a distinct concern

Highlights dealing with a separate and unique concern.

tackling a new question

Suggests engaging with a novel and previously unconsidered question.

considering an unrelated subject

Implies examining a topic that has no connection to the previous one.

shifting attention to another difficulty

Denotes a move of focus towards a different kind of challenge.

dealing with a different obstacle

Indicates confronting a separate and distinct hurdle.

working on a distinct task

Suggests being engaged in a task that is separate and unique.

studying an alternative scenario

Implies investigating a different and possible set of events.

FAQs

How can I use "on a different problem" in a sentence?

You can use "on a different problem" to indicate a shift in focus to another issue, as in, "While the team addressed the software bug, they also started working "on a different problem" related to user interface design".

What's a good alternative to "on a different problem"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "on a different problem" include "regarding another issue", "concerning a separate matter", or "focusing on an alternative challenge".

Is "on a different problem" formal or informal?

"On a different problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various communication settings. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and casual conversations.

When should I use "on a different problem" instead of "on a related issue"?

Use "on a different problem" when the issue is distinct and separate from the current one. Use "on a related issue" when the topic is connected to the original problem but requires separate attention.