a matter about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific topic or issue that is being addressed or considered. Example: "We need to discuss a matter about the upcoming project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

This is not a matter about money".

The New York Times

This is a matter about which we know very little.

The New Yorker

This is a matter about which people have very strong views".

The New York Times

One 'insider' told the Huffington Post: "If they do this, they will turn this from being a matter about tax credits into a huge constitutional issue of the Lords' powers".

Independent

He has AIDS, a matter about which, by his own admission, he is uncharacteristically quiet, because he doesn't want others' impressions of him to be overwhelmed and distorted by his disease.

The New York Times

The PCC told editors that they must ask themselves three questions before publishing: Is the payment alone responsible for tempting parents to discuss a matter about their child that it would be against the child's interests to publicise?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Then, its just a matter of about 40 dusk balls, or less if you're lucky.

WikiHow

'All of a sudden, because of a private matter about a race horse, it is all coming out,' he told a press conference.

The Guardian

"I hope it's a matter of about two days".

The New York Times - Sports

In a matter of about 12 minutes more than $1 billion in stock-market value evaporated.

The New York Times

Spiro Agnew gave away the Vice-Presidency for a matter of about twenty thousand dollars.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter about", ensure that the noun following 'about' clearly specifies the topic under discussion for clarity and precision.

Common error

A common mistake is using "a matter of" when "a matter about" is more appropriate. Use "a matter about" when introducing a specific topic or issue, versus indicating possession or origin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter about" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It introduces a specific topic or issue, as shown by Ludwig examples, pointing to what is being discussed or considered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a specific topic or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. While versatile, it is crucial to distinguish its use from "a matter of". As evidenced by the examples, "a matter about" is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to clearly define the subject of discussion. Remember to ensure clarity by specifying the topic following 'about'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question regarding

Replaces "matter" with "question" and "about" with "regarding", shifting the focus to an inquiry.

an issue concerning

Replaces "matter" with "issue" and "about" with "concerning", focusing on a problem or point of debate.

a concern relating to

Substitutes "matter" with "concern" and "about" with "relating to", highlighting an element of worry or importance.

a topic pertaining to

Replaces "matter" with "topic" and "about" with "pertaining to", emphasizing a subject under discussion.

a point concerning

Substitutes "matter" with "point" and "about" with "concerning", shifting focus to a specific detail or aspect.

a subject dealing with

Substitutes "matter" with "subject" and "about" with "dealing with", highlighting the content or theme being addressed.

a detail relating to

Replaces "matter" with "detail" and "about" with "relating to", emphasizing a specific element or fact.

an item regarding

Replaces "matter" with "item" and "about" with "regarding", often used in formal or business contexts.

a situation involving

Replaces "matter" with "situation" and "about" with "involving", emphasizing a set of circumstances.

a problem with respect to

Changes "matter" to "problem" and replaces "about" with "with respect to", focusing on a challenge or difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "a matter about" to introduce a specific topic or issue being discussed. For example, "The meeting is about "a matter about the budget"."

What are some alternatives to "a matter about"?

You can use alternatives like "a question regarding", "a concern relating to", or "an issue concerning" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a matter of" instead of "a matter about"?

While similar, "a matter of" and "a matter about" have different meanings. "A matter of" often indicates possession or origin, while "a matter about" introduces a specific topic.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a matter about"?

It's most appropriate to use "a matter about" when you want to specify the topic or subject being discussed or considered.