a major matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important issue or topic that requires attention or consideration. Example: "The committee will discuss a major matter concerning the budget allocation for the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Whereas, if the country is threatened by great problems, likability is not a major matter.

The New York Times - Books

He said later: "If the Queen can reject the advice of a minister on a little thing like a postage stamp, what would happen if she rejected the advice of the prime minister on a major matter?

Independent

Given the outcome, a major matter of concern for the White House over the next 10 days is that Mr. Hagel's opponents — an array of groups that includes conservative and pro-Israel forces — could intensify their campaigns to defeat his nomination.

The New York Times

THE ADDICTION MUDDLE IS clearly a major matter.

Forbes

Thus an early diagnosis is a major matter in order to avoid tumoral spread and mutilating surgery.

Progrès en Urologie

Why would such a major matter, with strong bipartisan support, be pushed aside?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He will be equal in level to you, so accuracy won't be a major issue, no matter what race you are Counter and evasion plus is also a good idea.

WikiHow

The solid state of matter is a major subject in the scientific disciplines of physics and chemistry and other disciplines such as material engineering.

WikiHow

"Theresa May has shown that she will change her mind on a major constituency matter like Heathrow," he will say.

The Guardian

As long as she is around, she is a threat to win a major, no matter how uninterested she may be in the process of becoming No. 1.

The New York Times - Sports

Last year our reviewer, Tom LeClair, called this novel "a major laughing matter" that "deserves space on the short, high shelf of literary wonders".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. In formal writing, "a major matter" is appropriate, but in informal contexts, you might opt for simpler language like "a big deal".

Common error

Avoid phrases like "very major matter" or "extremely major matter" as they can sound redundant. The term "major" already implies significance, so additional intensifiers are usually unnecessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major matter" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It serves to identify or describe something of considerable importance. As noted by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major matter" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that signifies something of considerable importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct in written English and serves to highlight the significance of a topic or issue. Its use is more common in formal contexts like news, science, and business, indicating a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the importance of the issue and avoid redundant intensifiers. Consider alternatives like "a significant issue" or "an important topic" to suit different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant issue

Focuses on the importance of the issue itself.

an important topic

Emphasizes the subject under discussion.

a serious concern

Highlights the potential negative consequences or risks.

a key consideration

Underlines the necessity of taking something into account.

a critical point

Indicates the vital nature of a specific detail.

a primary focus

Stresses what is being given the most attention.

a weighty subject

Suggests the matter is serious and requires careful consideration.

a grave affair

Implies a serious and potentially dangerous situation.

a paramount concern

Highlights the supreme importance of the worry.

a substantial issue

Stresses the considerable size and importance of a matter.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "a major matter"?

Alternatives to "a major matter" include "a significant issue", "an important topic", or "a serious concern", depending on the context.

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

You can use "a major matter" to refer to something important that needs attention. For instance, "The budget deficit is a major matter for the government."

Is "major matter" formal or informal?

"Major matter" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings.

What's the difference between "a major matter" and "a minor matter"?

"A major matter" refers to something important and significant, while "a minor matter" refers to something less important or trivial.