Rethinking the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Rethinking the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or issue that requires a new perspective or reconsideration. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, we are rethinking the matter to find a more effective solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

After rethinking the matter, Mr. Brooks excised his remarks from that day's Record.

The New York Times

Councilwoman Eddie Mae Barnes was receptive to rethinking the matter, but she thought the three critics were overly harsh when they approached the board.

The New York Times

It's an almost equally quick jaunt to the dream house the couple designed and built, then occupied for a mere four years before rethinking the matter and moving out at the end of February.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We decided to rethink the matter," Mr. Feiner said.

The New York Times

Atkinson may be too chary of praise here, but any fair-minded reader will certainly be prodded to rethink the matter of Patton's reputation.

The New York Times - Books

Following recent works by anthropologists and archaeologists such as Nurit Bird-Rose, Philippe Descola, Graham Harvey, Tim Ingold and Viveiros de Castro, new animism is treated as an alternative (relational) ontology that allows rethinking the problem of matter and agency, goes beyond human exeptionalism and embraces non-humans.

Stanford University

But this season, Americans--including President Bush and the first lady--are rethinking the once-routine matter of holiday cards: Given the proximity to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, what kind of end-of-the-year greeting is appropriate?

Los Angeles Times

Perhaps we should rethink the whole matter: rather than just accept the "commodity" model for each of our most precious resources, think of what matters to us as something other than a commodity.

University of California, Berkeley

He then turned to a dead-serious matter: rethinking the entire post-Cold War policy consensus.

The New York Times - Arts

Rethinking the retail business was a matter of necessity.

The New York Times - Tech

"It's a matter of rethinking the exercise of journalism," Ms. Manrique said, adding that journalists should be seen "not just as mere observers, but also as human beings".

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rethinking the matter" when you want to convey a deliberate and thoughtful process of reconsidering a topic, plan, or decision. This phrase is suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts where careful evaluation is important.

Common error

Avoid using "rethinking the matter" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "thinking it over" or "reconsidering" are often more appropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

"Rethinking the matter" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates the act of reconsidering or reevaluating something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rethinking the matter" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the act of reconsidering a topic or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively uncommon, it finds its place in news, academic, and formal business contexts. It is best used in situations that call for a deliberate and thoughtful reconsideration and should be avoided in informal conversations where simpler alternatives are more appropriate. Related phrases include "reconsidering the situation" and "reevaluating the issue". The phrase carries a formal tone and suggests a structured reevaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reconsidering the situation

Focuses on the act of thinking again about a situation, potentially leading to a different conclusion.

Reevaluating the issue

Emphasizes a formal assessment and revision of the issue at hand.

Reassessing the problem

Highlights a renewed evaluation of the problem, often after new information or developments.

Reviewing the circumstances

Involves examining all aspects of the circumstances to gain a better understanding.

Adjusting one's perspective

Implies a change in viewpoint or attitude towards something.

Changing one's mind

Directly states a shift in opinion or decision.

Taking another look

Suggests a second inspection, often with a fresh mindset.

Having second thoughts

Indicates uncertainty and reconsideration of a previous decision.

Looking at it differently

Emphasizes a changed approach or understanding.

Revisiting the decision

Implies going back to a previous decision to potentially alter it.

FAQs

How can I use "Rethinking the matter" in a sentence?

You can use "rethinking the matter" to introduce a shift in perspective or a reevaluation of a situation. For example: "After reviewing the data, we are "rethinking the matter" to develop a more effective strategy."

What phrases are similar to "Rethinking the matter"?

Similar phrases include "reconsidering the situation", "reevaluating the issue", or "reassessing the problem". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "Rethinking the matter"?

"Rethinking the matter" is appropriate in formal or semi-formal contexts where a thoughtful and deliberate reconsideration is taking place. It's often used in business, academic, or policy-related discussions.

Is "Rethinking the matter" more formal than "Reconsidering"?

Yes, "rethinking the matter" generally carries a more formal tone compared to simply "reconsidering". The addition of "the matter" elevates the phrase and suggests a more structured or significant reevaluation.