a federal matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a federal matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an issue or topic that falls under the jurisdiction of federal law or government. Example: "The dispute over the environmental regulations is considered a federal matter and will be handled by the appropriate federal agency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

This is a federal matter.

The Economist

Unemployment benefits are a federal matter.

The Economist

State governments aren't allowed to get involved in immigration, which is a federal matter.

The New York Times

"The Constitution is pretty clear that immigration is a federal matter".

The New York Times

"It's a federal matter, and we're deferring everything to the F.B.I".

The New York Times

Salmon disagreed with Surowiecki, saying it should be a federal matter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Securities regulation in America has been a largely federal matter ever since the establishment of the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1934.

The Economist

On a federal level, matters are even less clear.

The New York Times

Since Trump's nomination of Kavanaugh, there has been heated discussion as to what Kavanaugh would do with the landmark case, particularly since he has been quiet about his stance on it and his position on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, a bench dealing mostly with federal matters,  hasn't afforded voters with an opportunity to see how he handles adjacent cases.

Huffington Post

In 1958 there were approximately 140 federal matters over which it had investigative jurisdiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But suddenly they were federal matters.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or governmental responsibilities, use "a federal matter" to clearly indicate that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government.

Common error

Avoid assuming an issue is "a federal matter" without verifying that it doesn't fall under state or local jurisdiction. Always research the specific laws and regulations that apply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a federal matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a subject or issue as being within the scope of federal law or authority, as seen in Ludwig AI examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a federal matter" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote issues falling under the purview of the federal government. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it is crucial to ensure that the issue genuinely falls under federal jurisdiction, differentiating it from state or local concerns. Related phrases include "a national issue" and "under federal jurisdiction". Avoid confusion between federal and state jurisdictions to ensure accurate and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A matter of federal law

This alternative emphasizes the legal aspect, highlighting that the issue is governed by federal statutes.

Governed by federal statutes

This alternative specifies that federal laws dictate how the issue is handled.

Subject to federal regulation

This alternative emphasizes that the issue is governed by federal rules and regulations.

Under federal jurisdiction

This alternative specifies that the issue falls within the authority of the federal government.

The purview of the federal government

This alternative indicates that the issue falls within the scope or range of authority of the federal government.

A federal responsibility

This alternative focuses on the obligation of the federal government to address the issue.

Within federal competence

This alternative indicates that the federal government has the authority and capability to handle the matter.

Federal government domain

This alternative clearly states that the matter belongs to the sphere of influence and control of the federal government.

A national issue

This alternative broadens the scope from federal to national, encompassing issues that affect the entire country.

A national concern

This alternative highlights the significance of the issue for the entire nation.

FAQs

How to use "a federal matter" in a sentence?

You can use "a federal matter" to describe issues that fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government. For example: "Immigration is "a federal matter", and states cannot create their own immigration laws."

What can I say instead of "a federal matter"?

You can use alternatives like "a national issue", "federal responsibility", or "under federal jurisdiction" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a federal matter" or "a state matter"?

Both phrases are correct, but they refer to different levels of government. "A federal matter" pertains to issues under federal jurisdiction, while "a state matter" involves issues governed by state laws.

What's the difference between "a federal matter" and "a local issue"?

"A federal matter" refers to issues handled by the federal government, whereas "a local issue" pertains to concerns within a specific city, county, or municipality.