a distinct matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that a topic or issue is separate and different from another one being discussed. Example: "While the budget is important, the environmental impact of the project is a distinct matter that we must also consider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

At the outset it should be noted that there is no longstanding history in this country of laws directed at homosexual conduct as a distinct matter.

The New York Times

As Justice Anthony M. Kennedy made clear in his majority opinion, "there is no longstanding history in this country of laws directed at homosexual conduct as a distinct matter".

The New York Times

Also, just to be clear, identifying vital interests is a distinct matter from determining the means to pursue them; troop deployments are subordinate to strategy, as the President said repeatedly in his weekend interviews.

The New Yorker

Justice Anthony Kennedy's opinion in the case drew heavily on the historian's brief: "At the outset," Kennedy wrote, "it should be noted that there is no longstanding history in this country of laws directed at homosexual conduct as a distinct matter….

The New Yorker

Suárez supposes, however, that to execute his study of the causes of being, it is first of all incumbent on him to understand precisely what it is for something to be a cause, but then also further, as a distinct matter, what it is for a cause to exercise its causality.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Plato's Republic, for example, does not treat ethics as a distinct subject matter; nor does it offer a systematic examination of the nature of happiness, virtue, voluntariness, pleasure, or friendship.

SEP

Lyrically, the album does not have a distinct subject matter, but focuses on numerous themes instead.

Wikipedia

There are a couple of distinct matters at stake in Jackson's remarks, though neither has much to do with "Get Out," which Jackson said he hadn't seen.

The New Yorker

Indeed, therapeutic role of NACT for cervical cancer and its possibility to reduce postoperative adjuvant therapy are quite distinct matters.

British Journal of Cancer

Ariel Rittenhouse, a diver on the United States team who has competed against China many times, said visiting teams would have a distinct edge, no matter what the Chinese do to prepare.

The New York Times - Sports

Atomic and molecular clusters can be considered to be a distinct form of matter, a "bridge" between atoms on the one hand and solids on the other.

Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinct matter" to clearly signal that you are shifting the discussion to a new, unrelated subject or concern to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinct matter" when simply indicating something is different. "Distinct" implies a clear separation and lack of overlap, not just a difference in characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving to introduce or highlight a topic, issue, or consideration that is separate and unrelated to the one previously discussed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and emphasizes that the topic is separate from another one being discussed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinct matter" is a phrase used to introduce a new, separate topic or consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility in emphasizing the distinction between subjects. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While not highly frequent, its clarity and precision make it valuable in situations where clear delineation is needed. Consider alternatives like "a separate issue" or "a different concern" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a separate issue

Focuses on the separation of topics, omitting the 'matter' aspect.

a different concern

Emphasizes the difference in worry or focus, rather than a subject.

an unrelated topic

Highlights the lack of connection between subjects.

an independent point

Stresses the self-contained nature of a particular idea.

a discrete subject

Highlights the individual and distinguishable nature of the topic.

an isolated case

Highlights that it's a unique situation, separated from other things.

a detached element

Stresses the lack of connection between two or more elements.

an individual aspect

Highlights one particular part or feature, separated from the rest.

a self-contained entity

Highlights that it's an autonomous and independent thing.

a demarcated area

Highlights a clearly defined and bounded space.

FAQs

How can I use "a distinct matter" in a sentence?

Use "a distinct matter" to introduce a topic that's separate and unrelated to the one previously discussed. For example, "While cost is important, safety is "a distinct matter" that we must consider."

What's an alternative to "a distinct matter"?

You can use phrases like "a separate issue", "a different concern", or "an unrelated topic" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a distinct matter"?

It's appropriate when emphasizing that something is not just different, but fundamentally separate and should be considered independently.

Is "a distinct matter" formal or informal?

The phrase "a distinct matter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.