a matter of class

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of class" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to discuss issues related to social class, status, or distinctions in various contexts, such as education, culture, or behavior. Example: "The debate over the new policy is not just about economics; it's also a matter of class and how it affects different communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This was partly a matter of class.

The New Yorker

Virtue is not just a matter of class; justice is not just a matter of the right political positions; there are other forces, other kinds of redemption.

The New York Times

This burden of fraudulence, of needing to keep some lumbering secret self forever under wraps, was not merely a matter of class anxiety.

The Guardian - Books

To the various theories about this that he was impotent, or gay, that it was a matter of class that kept them apart, that he did not have enough money Miss Glendinning adds another, incest.

The Economist

When, on CNN, Wolf Blitzer asked Perry if he'd admit that the phrase was "pretty vile," Perry acknowledged only "pretty tough words," ones that he himself wouldn't use, as if it were a matter of class, tone, and bluntness.

The New Yorker

Elizabeth Stone's article "Gifted Children's Programs: A Matter of Class" (May 6) makes clear that a number of hard questions need to be answered if gifted education is to fulfill its mission in this country.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Was the debate over audience behavior, for example, just a matter of "class-based fears of lower-class disorder"?

The New York Times - Books

The opposite was thought to hold true in poor countries, where as a matter of course only the upper classes could afford to eat enough to be overweight.Dr Popkin, however, claims that the obesity epidemic in the developing world will affect the poor more than the rich, for much the same reasons as in the developed world.

The Economist

It's just a matter of middle-class and working-class people whose values match up very well with Senator Clinton's".

The New York Times

Her peculiar formality of tone is partly a matter of the class identity of which she is so conscious.

The Guardian - Books

Is it a matter of economic class, rallying behind the millionaire Clemens?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of class", consider the specific context. Is it about social status, economic disparity, or cultural differences? Clarity will enhance your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of class" as a catch-all phrase. Be specific about which aspects of class are relevant to your argument. For example, specify whether you're referring to income inequality, access to education, or cultural capital.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of class" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adverbial modifier to indicate that something is influenced by or related to social or economic class. As evidenced by Ludwig, it helps to contextualize situations within the framework of social hierarchy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of class" is a prepositional phrase used to denote that something is influenced by social or economic status. As determined by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently appears in news and media contexts. While relatively uncommon, it is valuable for analytical writing and discussions on social inequality. When using the phrase, consider the specific aspects of class at play and avoid overgeneralization for clarity. Alternatives such as "an issue of social standing" or "a question of socioeconomic status" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of socioeconomic status

Substitutes "matter" with "question" and specifies "socioeconomic status" for greater precision.

a consequence of class differences

Focuses on the outcomes or repercussions of different social classes.

an issue of social standing

Replaces "matter" with "issue" and uses "social standing" for a more formal tone.

a product of class distinctions

Shifts the focus to the origin or result of class differences.

a result of social inequality

Highlights the unequal distribution of resources or opportunities.

linked to social stratification

Replaces "matter" with "linked" and refers to the system of social hierarchy.

an effect of hierarchical strata

Uses more academic vocabulary to refer to the outcome of social levels.

tied to one's social echelon

Emphasizes the connection to a particular social level.

concerning socioeconomic background

Emphasizes the influence of one's financial and social origins.

regarding societal classification

Uses formal language to discuss how society groups individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "a matter of class" to indicate that something is related to social or economic status. For instance: "Access to quality healthcare is often "a matter of class"".

What are some alternatives to "a matter of class"?

Alternatives include "an issue of social standing", "a question of socioeconomic status", or "a result of social inequality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a matter of class" formal or informal?

"A matter of class" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally suitable for analytical or descriptive writing across different registers.

What does "a matter of class" imply?

"A matter of class" suggests that opportunities, privileges, or disadvantages are often determined by one's social or economic background.