separate concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separate concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that a particular issue or topic should be treated independently from others. Example: "While discussing the budget, we should address the separate concern of employee satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A separate concern for financiers is a Clinton administration-era ban on dollar transactions with Iran.

The Guardian

"There seems to be a separate concern that we use the data at all, but that's how we pay for the servers we use and so on.

The Guardian - Tech

"Diabetes patients still tend to treat heart disease as a separate concern," Dr. Sidney C. Smith Jr., the heart association's chief science officer, said in a statement.

The New York Times - Health

The matter of reimbursement raised by Florida officials is a separate concern, he added, saying, "we're having ongoing conversations about that issue".

The New York Times

When I asked Wolfowitz about the criticism that his agenda at the bank is political, he said, "I just don't see how anyone can separate concern about good governance from concern about helping poor people survive and get a good education and good jobs.

The New Yorker

A separate concern was that nonconventional sources of oil such as tar-sand reserves, oil-shale deposits, or reserves that are found under very deep water would be significantly more expensive to produce than conventional crude oil unless new technologies were developed that reduced production costs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Their distinctly separate worlds, their separate concerns collide uneasily in my brain.

The New Yorker

The document did not detail growth or revenue projections for the separate concerns, and the consumer market was largely ignored.

The New York Times

As we delved into the material, both my daughter and I had separate concerns about my "teach-in".

The New York Times

Many of us buy products such as Kit Kats and Coca-Cola, but don't associate them with our separate concerns about poverty and wellbeing.

The Guardian

Other architects, Balmond said, would be infuriated by such meddling, but Koolhaas "has always understood that form and structure aren't separate concerns".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "separate concern" to clearly delineate an issue that should be addressed independently from other related topics to avoid confusion or conflation.

Common error

Avoid treating a "separate concern" as a minor detail within a larger issue. Ensure that it receives the attention and resources it requires by addressing it individually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separate concern" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a topic or issue that is distinct from the main subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It helps to isolate and emphasize specific issues requiring individual attention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "separate concern" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to introduce a distinct issue or topic that requires individual attention. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for neutral to formal registers and is frequently found in news media and scientific contexts. To avoid confusion, it's essential to treat a "separate concern" as its own issue rather than a minor detail. Consider alternatives like "distinct issue" or "independent matter" to add nuance to your writing. Understanding its function and purpose will enhance clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct issue

Replaces "concern" with a more general term, "issue", emphasizing the separateness of the matter.

independent matter

Highlights the autonomy of the "matter", suggesting it stands alone and is not directly related to other issues.

unrelated consideration

Focuses on the lack of connection between this consideration and others, underlining its isolated nature.

discrete problem

Emphasizes the clear boundaries of the "problem", suggesting it can be dealt with on its own terms.

individual worry

Personalizes the "concern", indicating it is specific to a person or situation and not broadly shared.

isolated anxiety

Stresses the feeling of isolation associated with the anxiety, suggesting it is not connected to other anxieties.

different apprehension

Highlights the dissimilarity between this apprehension and others, focusing on its unique nature.

unique reservation

Emphasizes the singularity of the reservation, suggesting it is unlike any other.

special preoccupation

Indicates that this preoccupation is set apart from others, possibly due to its intensity or importance.

particular misgiving

Focuses on the specific and distinct nature of the misgiving.

FAQs

How can I use "separate concern" in a sentence?

You can use "separate concern" to introduce an issue that is distinct from the main topic, like in this sentence: "While discussing the budget, we must address the "separate concern" of employee satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "separate concern"?

Alternatives include "distinct issue", "independent matter", or "unrelated consideration". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "separate concern"?

Use "separate concern" when you want to emphasize that a particular issue needs to be considered on its own merits and not be confused with or overshadowed by other issues.

What's the difference between "separate concern" and "primary concern"?

"Separate concern" indicates an issue that is distinct and requires individual attention, while "primary concern" indicates the most important issue among several. They are not interchangeable.