a matter of argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"a matter of argument" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a topic or issue that is open to debate or disagreement. You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as in essays, debates, or discussions. Here are a few examples: - The efficacy of the new healthcare policy is a matter of argument among politicians and citizens alike. - The ethical implications of cloning have long been a matter of argument in the scientific community. - Whether or not the death penalty should be abolished remains a matter of argument in many countries. - The validity of the study's findings has become a matter of argument among experts in the field. - It is still a matter of argument whether Shakespeare's works were truly written by him or if he had collaborators.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

THE PRESIDENT: Colonel Smirnov, that is a matter of argument.

Yale University

What the newing of Calcutta, as Mr. Kakkar puts it, will do to the soul of Calcutta is a matter of argument.

The New York Times - Travel

Whether Kids Company actually provided the approach, range and consistency of necessary provision for troubled kids that they needed has often been a matter of argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

Up in the air A new operating system Petal power Out-Googled Reprints Related items Russian oil: YukMar 29th 2007What triggered the attack on Yukos and its main shareholder, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, is still a matter of argument.

The Economist

But this discussion has focused on something that should not be a matter of argument at all: The question of whether Mr. Trump is right to disregard C.I.A. conclusions, which are based on information unavailable to the journalists.

The New York Times

"The possibility that a black hole eats up the Earth is too serious a threat to leave it as a matter of argument among crackpots," said Michelangelo Mangano, a CERN theorist who said he was part of the group.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It is clear to him that the way you understand yourself and your relation to the world is not just a matter of arguments: your life's experiences construct what you expect and want to be true.

The New Yorker

Whether this task provides a true measure of the ability to plan has become a matter of debate (see [ 54] for an argument for procedural repetitive trial-and-error learning rather than "look ahead" planning).

Behavioral and Brain Functions

How this continuing reconfiguration will affect presenters, other managers and listeners is a matter of some argument.

The New York Times - Arts

Most of them have, in fact, believed in God but all have thought religious belief a matter of rational argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether this is true or not is a matter of reasoned argument and evidence, not of faith yet Eastwood lets the descriptive and prescriptive elements of his story overlap and blend together.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of argument", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject under discussion and the differing viewpoints involved. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a matter of argument" as an established fact. Acknowledge the differing viewpoints and uncertainties involved to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of argument" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a subject or issue that is open to discussion or disagreement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of argument" is a versatile phrase used to denote a topic open to debate or disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and can be applied across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic discourse. Although not frequently seen in formal business settings, its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its relevance in indicating contentious subjects. The phrase serves to introduce topics lacking definitive answers, encouraging discussion and acknowledging differing viewpoints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subject of debate

Focuses more directly on the debate aspect, rather than the general idea of something being open to discussion.

a point of contention

Highlights the disagreement or dispute involved.

a disputed matter

Emphasizes the disagreement surrounding the issue.

an open question

Emphasizes that the issue is unresolved and still being considered.

a debatable issue

Directly states that the issue can be debated.

an unsettled question

Highlights the lack of a final resolution or agreement.

a controversial topic

Focuses on the controversial nature of the subject.

a question at issue

Focuses on the specific question being argued.

a moot point

Suggests the issue is no longer relevant or practical.

a source of disagreement

Highlights the fact that there is no consensus

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of argument" in a sentence?

You can use "a matter of argument" to indicate that a topic is subject to disagreement or debate. For example, "Whether the new policy will be effective is "a matter of argument" among economists".

What phrases are similar to "a matter of argument"?

Similar phrases include "a subject of debate", "a point of contention", or "an open question", each highlighting different aspects of disagreement or uncertainty.

Is it appropriate to use "a matter of argument" in formal writing?

Yes, "a matter of argument" is suitable for formal writing, as it clearly indicates that a topic is open to discussion and differing opinions. Ensure your tone remains neutral and objective.

What's the difference between "a matter of argument" and "a matter of fact"?

"A matter of argument" implies uncertainty and differing viewpoints, while "a matter of fact" suggests something that is indisputably true and verifiable. Using the correct phrase is crucial for clarity and accuracy.