separate question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separate question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that a different topic or issue is being addressed apart from the current discussion. Example: "While I appreciate your input on this matter, I have a separate question regarding the budget for next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a separate question.

Harvard Business Review

Why people exaggerate is a separate question.

University of California, Berkeley

A separate question asked about toys.

Stanford University

Executions are, again, a separate question.

The New York Times

But that is a separate question".

The Guardian

Whether they work is a separate question.

The New York Times

A separate question is whether she should.

The New Yorker

Let me ask you a separate question.

The Washington Post

Q And just a separate question.

The Washington Post

"Whether it was good or bad is a separate question".

The New York Times - Arts

There is a separate question for the scientific journals themselves.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "separate question" to clearly delineate a shift in topic during discussions or writing, ensuring that distinct issues are addressed individually for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "separate question" when the new topic is directly related to the previous one. Ensure a clear distinction to prevent confusion and maintain focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separate question" functions as a discourse marker. It signals a transition to a new, often unrelated, topic within a conversation or text. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "separate question" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed discourse marker, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig, this phrase serves to clearly delineate distinct topics within a conversation or text, aiding in clarity and focus. While alternatives like "distinct inquiry" or "different question" exist, the primary function remains consistent: to guide the audience by explicitly indicating a shift in subject matter. When employing this phrase, ensure a clear distinction between topics to prevent confusion. Remember to transition smoothly while addressing distinct issues individually. Its wide application across diverse sources underscores its value in ensuring clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct inquiry

Focuses on the uniqueness and clarity of the question.

different question

Emphasizes the change in topic or subject matter.

unrelated issue

Highlights the lack of connection between the current and proposed topics.

another matter entirely

Stresses the complete divergence from the present subject.

a different angle

Suggests exploring the topic from an alternative viewpoint.

an alternative perspective

Highlights the option to view or interpret from another side.

a tangential point

Implies the new question is only loosely related to the original topic.

an aside

Indicates a brief departure from the main subject.

a digression

Suggests a more extended departure from the primary discussion.

an orthogonal consideration

Implies that the new idea is completely independent of the current topic and adds another dimension.

FAQs

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

You can use "separate question" to introduce a new, unrelated topic. For example, "While we've discussed the budget, the marketing strategy is a "separate question"."

What's a good alternative to "separate question"?

Alternatives include "distinct inquiry", "different question", or "unrelated issue", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "separate question" when changing topics?

No, it's not always necessary. However, explicitly stating "separate question" can help ensure clarity, especially when transitioning between loosely related topics. Context and audience awareness are key.

When is it inappropriate to use "separate question"?

It's inappropriate to use "separate question" when the new topic directly relates to or stems from the previous discussion. In such cases, a transitional phrase would be more appropriate.