secondary issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secondary issues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to problems or concerns that are not the primary focus or are of lesser importance compared to the main issues at hand. Example: "While we need to address the primary concerns first, we should also consider the secondary issues that may arise during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Birnbaum called these "secondary issues".

The New York Times

The more we press the Saudis on unpopular secondary issues, the slower they will move on terrorism and reform.

The New York Times

Former Representative Tom Davis of Virginia, a Republican, said Mr. Obama was smart to avoid fights on secondary issues.

The New York Times

They can also launch secondary issues of other shares at the new price established by the IPO.

The Economist

Another provision would prohibit drug companies from listing patents with the F.D.A. on secondary issues like packaging that could be used to trigger automatic delays for frivolous reasons.

The New York Times

For too long, the primary focus of peace negotiations has been incorrectly placed on secondary issues like settlements, borders and the status of holy sites in Jerusalem.

The New York Times

The Council of Jerusalem thus demonstrated the willingness of apostolic leaders to make compromises on certain secondary issues in order to maintain peace and unity in the church.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More significantly, the aggressive moves by Jerry Jones and his increasingly active heir, Stephen Jones, should take care of the secondary issues.

The New York Times

About $3bn of new money had been raised via initial public offerings or secondary issues on the stock markets in the second quarter, compared with none in the first three months of this year.

The Guardian

Surrounded by veterans of the Clinton White House, Mr. Obama is determined to avoid the mistakes of the last Democratic transition 16 years ago when secondary issues and a rush for change undercut a new president from the start.

The New York Times

The FT believes these are "secondary" issues and concludes: "What is now needed is a practical gesture of goodwill to break the deadlock and avoid a sweeping press law".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secondary issues" to frame additional considerations that, while not central, could influence the primary outcome or require attention once the main objectives are achieved.

Common error

Avoid dedicating excessive time or resources to "secondary issues" at the expense of addressing core problems. Doing so can dilute focus, delay critical progress, and potentially obscure the underlying causes of a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secondary issues" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to identify concerns or problems that are less important or less immediate than the main issues. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secondary issues" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to problems or concerns that are of lesser importance compared to primary issues. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts, with its primary function being to categorize issues by importance and prioritize problem-solving. The phrase is versatile in register, fitting both formal and informal settings, and it frequently appears in News & Media and Science contexts. To use the phrase effectively, prioritize addressing primary concerns before diverting attention to "secondary issues". Be careful, however, to not dedicate excessive time or resources to "secondary issues" at the expense of core problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor problems

Focuses on the size and impact of the issues as being small.

less important matters

Emphasizes a lack of significance compared to other concerns.

peripheral concerns

Highlights the issues' tangential relationship to the central topic.

incidental matters

Suggests that the issues are not essential or directly related.

subsidiary questions

Presents the issues as dependent on or subordinate to a main question.

lesser priorities

Highlights a ranking of importance, where these issues are not the focus.

ancillary details

Focuses on the supporting or supplementary nature of the issues.

trivial aspects

Emphasizes the lack of seriousness or consequence of the issues.

non-essential elements

Indicates that the issues are not critical for success or understanding.

side issues

Highlights a divergence from the primary topic or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "secondary issues" in a sentence?

You can use "secondary issues" to refer to problems or concerns that are not the primary focus or are of lesser importance. For example: "While we need to address the primary concerns first, we should also consider the "secondary issues" that may arise during the project."

What are some alternatives to "secondary issues"?

Some alternatives include "minor problems", "peripheral concerns", or "less important matters", depending on the context.

When should I address "secondary issues"?

Address "secondary issues" after the primary concerns have been resolved or are well underway. Focusing on them prematurely can detract from the main objectives.

What's the difference between "primary issues" and "secondary issues"?

"Primary issues" are the most important problems or concerns that need immediate attention, while "secondary issues" are less critical and can be addressed after the main concerns are handled.