a matter for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a matter for" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is the responsibility or decision of someone or something. It can also be used to suggest that something is up for discussion or debate. Example 1: The final decision on this project will be a matter for the board of directors. Example 2: The responsibility for resolving this conflict lies with the HR department. It is a matter for them to handle. Example 3: The best approach to solving this issue is still up for debate. It is a matter for further discussion and consideration.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a matter for the Chileans.

The Economist

It is a matter for Pakistan".

The Economist

It was a matter for the police.

The New York Times

"Extradition is not a matter for negotiation.

The Economist

That is a matter for L'Oréal".

Independent

It was a matter for law enforcement.

The New Yorker

Entirely a matter for them".

The Guardian

"It's a matter for conjecture.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a matter for ministers".

The Guardian

It's a matter for Ipsa.

The Guardian

It's a matter for government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter for", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and understood by your audience. Be explicit about who or what has the authority or responsibility.

Common error

While "a matter for" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts. Consider more precise alternatives like "the responsibility of" or "within the jurisdiction of" for greater clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter for" primarily functions as a determiner phrase specifying the entity responsible for or concerned with a particular issue. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it indicates ownership or jurisdiction over a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter for" is a versatile phrase used to designate responsibility, concern, or decision-making authority to a specific entity. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct and it appears frequently across diverse sources, notably in news and media. While it's useful in numerous contexts, it is advised to be mindful of the level of formality, occasionally opting for alternatives like "the responsibility of" in more formal settings. By understanding its nuances and applications, as demonstrated in the provided examples, writers can use "a matter for" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the responsibility of

Focuses on who holds accountability rather than where the decision lies.

the concern of

Shifts the focus to who should be worried or interested about the issue.

the domain of

Highlights the area of expertise or responsibility.

within the purview of

Emphasizes the scope or authority someone has over a situation.

under the authority of

Stresses that the decision falls to someone with specific command.

falls under the jurisdiction of

Highlights the legal or official power to make decisions.

an issue for

Highlights that it is an important matter, not always about accountability

up to

A more informal way of saying something is someone's decision.

the business of

Implies an activity or subject is someone's responsibility.

for consideration by

Indicates that something needs to be thought about by a particular group.

FAQs

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

Use "a matter for" to show that something is someone's responsibility or decision. For example, "The final decision is "up to" the manager" or "That's "the responsibility of" the finance department."

What does "a matter for" mean?

It means something is the responsibility, concern, or decision of a specific person, group, or entity. It indicates who should handle or consider something.

Is "a matter for" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral but can lean towards formal depending on the context. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "within the purview of".

What are some alternatives to "a matter for"?

Some alternatives are "the responsibility of", "the concern of", "within the purview of", or "up to" depending on the context and desired level of formality.