a legitimate matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a legitimate matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is valid, justifiable, or worthy of consideration. Example: "The committee will review the proposal, as it addresses a legitimate matter that affects the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Each of Baker's themes is a legitimate matter of debate, and all have been debated many times.

The New Yorker

Of course, the status of Mlle Trierweiler, who is paid for by the French taxpayer, is a legitimate matter for enquiry.

Independent

If banks earn huge profits, and their traders huge bonuses, only because of an implicit state subsidy, that seems a legitimate matter of public concern.

The Economist

But we are asking about it because even votes of private conscience, when they are by the minister for women, are a legitimate matter for scrutiny.

The Guardian

Clearly, the traditional unnoticed and undemanding life of a minor member of the royal house was not to be hers, even before the romantic complications in the life of her glamorous uncle had made royal private lives a legitimate matter of the widest public interest.

The Guardian

Others view suicide as a legitimate matter of personal choice.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

If, as Collingwood argues, there are presuppositions which are meaningful, even if unverifiable, this means that metaphysics does have a legitimate subject matter after all, even if it is not "pure being" and that Collingwood has succeeded in defending the possibility (of some form of) metaphysics against the logical positivist's critique.

SEP

The court ruled that the Sun's publication of the photographs would have been "mere titillation" rather than a contribution to any legitimate matter of public debate, so publication was prevented.

The Guardian

Contrast the 78percentt of Hillary Clinton voters who view the matter as a legitimate issue with the 59percentt of Trump voters who say outright that it's not (22percentt of Trump voters also think it's legitimate, while another 19percentt say they're not sure).

Huffington Post

Accordingly, the squads have taken to wrapping their victims' heads in plastic bags and duct tape to indicate to police that the killing is a legitimate extrajudicial matter, in accordance with the president's various statements encouraging them.

Vice

The public needs to know to what extent Murdoch's papers indulge in this illegal activity: it is legitimate matter of public interest, the very thing cited by the NoW as it pursues people such as Max Mosley, whom they bugged and filmed in a sado-masochistic sex session.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a legitimate matter" to introduce topics that warrant serious discussion or investigation, ensuring the context clearly establishes the validity of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "a legitimate matter" in overly casual or informal contexts. Opt for simpler phrases like "a valid point" or "a fair question" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legitimate matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as valid, justifiable, or worthy of consideration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a legitimate matter" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to introduce topics that are valid, justifiable, and worthy of consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds its primary context in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, it's best used in formal contexts, where it conveys the seriousness and validity of the subject. Alternatives include "a valid concern" and "a justifiable issue", offering similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid concern

Emphasizes the genuineness and importance of the worry or issue.

a justifiable issue

Highlights the defensibility and reasonableness of the problem.

a reasonable question

Focuses on the logical and sensible nature of the inquiry.

a valid point

Stresses the soundness and relevance of the argument or idea.

a fair subject

Highlights the impartiality and justness of the topic.

a relevant topic

Emphasizes the pertinence and applicability of the subject.

a proper concern

Highlights the appropriateness and suitability of the worry.

a rightful subject

Stresses the just and deserved nature of the topic.

a warranted inquiry

Emphasizes the justified and authorized nature of the investigation.

a well-founded issue

Highlights that the issue is based on good evidence and reasoning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a legitimate matter" to introduce a topic or concern that is valid, justifiable, or worthy of consideration. For example, "The environmental impact of the project is "a legitimate matter" that needs to be addressed".

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

You can use alternatives like "a valid concern", "a justifiable issue", or "a reasonable question" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a legitimate matter"?

While grammatically correct, "a legitimate matter" is best suited for formal or professional contexts. In casual conversations, consider using simpler phrases like "a valid point" or "a fair question".

What's the difference between "a legitimate matter" and "a valid issue"?

Both phrases are similar, but "a legitimate matter" often implies a more formal or serious tone, suggesting the issue warrants careful consideration. "A valid issue" is generally more neutral and widely applicable.