on a separate topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a separate topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when transitioning to a different subject or theme in a discussion or text. Example: "On a separate topic, I would like to discuss our upcoming project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

On a separate topic at the news conference, Mr. Obama defended his record on appointing women and minorities to administration jobs, responding to criticism of the largely white male composition of his inner circle and recent cabinet nominations.

The New York Times

On Nov. 21, 2000, at the close of a meeting on a separate topic, Mr. Quinn took Mr. Holder aside, told him he was planning on filing a lengthy pardon petition with the White House and asked whether the White House should contact Mr. Holder for his opinion, according to Mr. Quinn's account.

The New York Times

We could debate on a separate topic of whether this really allows the best candidate to be chosen.

Huffington Post

Until the Global Goals, we had a fragmented set of international commitments, pledges, and policies, each focused on a separate topic or a small group of political priorities.

Huffington Post

Deputy Attorney General James Cole was asked about the subpoena during a media briefing on a separate topic on Wednesday and suggested Holder's statement wasn't a shift in policy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The literature on the topic is vast and is best considered as a separate topic from our current concern (see e.g., Thomason (1997) for an overview).

SEP

The collation of text mining data with bioinformatics databases is a separate topic (Krallinger et al., 2008) which space precludes enlarging on here.

Bioinformatics

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Is that a -- is that a separate topic?

The New York Times

"This I think we would deal with as a separate topic from the AUMF itself.

The Guardian

Alcohol and drugs do not feature prominently as a separate topic in the National Occupational Standards for Social Work.

The Guardian

For example, it doesn't recognize the DEMO conference as a separate topic.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a separate topic" to clearly signal a transition in your writing or speech, helping your audience follow your train of thought.

Common error

Avoid starting too many consecutive sentences with transitional phrases like "on a separate topic", as this can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a separate topic" functions primarily as a transitional phrase. It serves to indicate a shift in the subject matter, signaling to the audience that a new and distinct area of discussion is about to begin. Ludwig highlights its consistent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a separate topic" is a valuable transitional phrase used to signal a shift to a new subject in writing or speech. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, mainly in news, scientific publications and Wiki articles. While it's important for clarity, overuse should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "regarding a different matter" for formal settings or "shifting gears to" for informal ones. The phrase serves to redirect focus, aiming for organized discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding a different matter

Uses "matter" instead of "topic", implying a slightly more formal or serious shift in discussion.

concerning another subject

Replaces "topic" with "subject", creating a formal and academic tone.

shifting gears to

More colloquial, suggesting a change in direction or focus.

turning to another issue

Implies a problem or point of contention.

moving on to a new area

Uses "area" to describe the topic.

in another vein

More literary, suggesting a related but distinct line of thought.

on a different note

Suggests a change in tone or style.

aside from that

Indicates a departure from the previous topic.

that being said

Introduces a contrasting point or new topic.

let's switch subjects

A more direct and informal way to change the conversation's direction.

FAQs

How can I use "on a separate topic" in a sentence?

You can use "on a separate topic" to introduce a new and unrelated subject in a conversation or written piece. For example: "We've discussed the budget; now, "on a separate topic", let's talk about marketing strategies."

What's a more formal alternative to "on a separate topic"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "regarding a different matter" or "concerning another subject" instead of "on a separate topic".

Is it always necessary to use a transitional phrase like "on a separate topic"?

While not always necessary, using a transitional phrase like "on a separate topic" can improve clarity and organization, especially when the shift in subject is significant.

What's the difference between "on a separate topic" and "on a related note"?

"On a separate topic" indicates a completely new subject, whereas "on a related note" suggests the new subject is connected or relevant to the previous discussion. So, if your next point is tangential use "on a related note" instead.