a completely different matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a completely different matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a topic or issue being discussed is unrelated or distinct from another topic. Example: "While the budget is important, the issue of employee morale is a completely different matter that needs to be addressed separately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Infant circumcision is a completely different matter.

The Guardian

"But we're here about a completely different matter.

The New Yorker

Removing a "fetus" is a completely different matter.

The New York Times

Whether that's indicative of a causal relationship is a completely different matter.

Harvard University

He said that was "a completely different matter, once the name was out there".

The Guardian

The impact he made on the sport of rugby union was a completely different matter.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

On a completely different subject, the rebuilding of the Trade Center downtown is largely a state matter.

The New York Times

Racing is a completely different thing".

BBC

A different kettle of fish is an idiomatic phrase which means 'a completely different matter or issue'.

BBC

That's a different kettle of fish, which is an idiomatic phrase that means 'a completely different matter or issue'.

BBC

"Most poor black women, as of right now at least, would fail even a mild voter qualification exam," he admits, but he's undeterred, insisting that their disenfranchisement would be merely incidental to his epistocratic plan a completely different matter, he maintains, from the literacy tests of America's past, which were administered with the intention of disenfranchising blacks and ethnic whites.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, follow "a completely different matter" with a brief explanation of why the new topic is distinct, strengthening your argument's logical flow.

Common error

Avoid using "a completely different matter" repeatedly within a short span of text. This can make your writing seem repetitive and lacking in nuance. Instead, vary your transitional phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a completely different matter" functions as a transitional phrase, signaling a shift to a new and unrelated topic. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in diverse contexts, underlining its utility in differentiating distinct subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a completely different matter" is a versatile transitional phrase used to clearly indicate a shift to a new, unrelated topic. It's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, as supported by Ludwig's examples. While suitable for formal writing, it maintains a neutral tone and can be used effectively by following best practices, such as avoiding overuse and ensuring clear demarcation between topics. The phrase serves to signal a distinct change in focus, preventing confusion and enhancing clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an entirely distinct subject

Emphasizes the separateness of the subject; stronger emphasis on distinction.

an unrelated issue

Directly states that the matter is not related to the previous one.

a totally different ballgame

Emphasizes a change in circumstances, rendering prior knowledge less useful.

a separate kettle of fish

Uses a different idiom to convey the idea of a different issue.

a horse of another color

Uses an idiomatic expression to highlight the new matter's distinctiveness.

a world apart

Highlights how dissimilar the new matter is.

another animal altogether

Implies something is different and more complex than initially perceived.

a diversion from the core issue

Highlights that a new subject is being brought up which may distract from the core problem.

a tangent altogether

Indicates a deviation from the main topic, becoming a new matter.

an alternative scenario

Focuses on the potential for events unfolding in disparate ways.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a completely different matter" in a sentence?

Use "a completely different matter" to signal a clear shift in the subject of discussion. For example, "While budget concerns are pressing, employee morale is "a completely different matter" that requires separate attention".

What are some alternatives to "a completely different matter"?

Consider using phrases like "an entirely distinct subject", "an unrelated issue", or "a separate kettle of fish" to introduce a new topic or argument.

Is "a completely different matter" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a completely different matter" is suitable for formal writing. While clear and direct, it maintains a level of professionalism appropriate for academic, business, and journalistic contexts.

How does "a completely different matter" differ from "a related issue"?

"A completely different matter" indicates a shift to an unrelated topic, while "a related issue" suggests a connection or overlap with the original subject. For example, you wouldn't use "a related issue" if there's no connection between the two topics.