a matter of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of material" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward without context.
It could be used in discussions about the importance or relevance of physical materials in a specific situation or context. Example: "In the construction industry, the choice of materials is often a matter of material that can significantly impact the project's success."

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But Britain's entry meant that the Commonwealth would be less and less a matter of material ties and more and more one of tradition and sentiment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The report found: "This level of under-recorded crime is a significant cause of concern and is a matter of material and urgent importance, particularly as some of these relate to violence and sexual assault against vulnerable children".

The Guardian

Imagination was a matter of material images being formed in the brain.

SEP

Go Tryke's Tamara Warren says that for old-is-new cars like the Mulsanne and Mercedes' SLS AMG (based on the 1950s-era 300SL), modernizing a design is largely a matter of material.

Forbes

This explains why, in modern highly insulated dwellings in cold and temperate maritime climates, mold risk is primarily a matter of material properties.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

At its core, the debate over NC-17 is a matter of what material society considers mainstream, who gets to make those determinations and what standards they use in doing so.

Los Angeles Times

Young's approach goes beyond distributive issues to address the marginalization of excluded groups by affirming social group differences in public policy rather than treating justice as primarily a matter of distributing material resources among persons assumed to be roughly equal in social status and power.

BMC Medical Ethics

It's a matter of taking illegal material offline – which is surely something Twitter would want to do and be seen to be doing?

The Guardian - Opinion

This could give substance to the alliance's repeated declaration that the independence and security of these countries is a matter of direct and material concern to us.

The Economist

For instance, Joe discussed studying for his OrgBio exams as a matter of memorizing the material in such a way that he can spit it back in the way the professor wants to see it.

CBE Life Sciences Education

The evolution of tape measures, like that of most hand tools used in home renovation projects, has been mainly a matter of cosmetics and materials.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a matter of material", ensure the context clearly indicates the importance or relevance of the physical properties or composition of something. Be specific about what aspect of the material is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of material" in situations where the importance lies in something other than the physical substance itself. For example, don't use it when you really mean "a matter of resources" or "a question of effort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of material" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, indicating that something is fundamentally related to or dependent upon the physical substance or composition of materials. It highlights the significance of the tangible aspects involved, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a matter of material" signifies that the tangible substance or components are of primary importance. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically correct, the phrase is not commonly used and may sound awkward without proper context. Its usage spans science, news, and encyclopedic sources, with neutral formality. Consider alternative phrases like "a question of substance" or "a matter of resources" for enhanced clarity and impact. Remember to specify the relevant material aspect to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a material consideration

Highlights the relevance of material aspects in a decision or situation.

a question of substance

Emphasizes the underlying reality or importance rather than the specific materials involved.

a matter of resources

Focuses on the availability and management of materials or other assets.

a matter of practicality

Focuses on the feasibility and usefulness of a material or approach.

a concern of matter

Highlights anxiety or care regarding physical substances and their properties.

a detail of materiality

Focuses on specific aspects of the tangible world.

an aspect of physicality

Broadens the scope to include any physical attribute or characteristic.

a problem with components

Emphasizes the challenges or issues related to the materials that make up a whole.

a question of physics

Refers to whether it deals with physics.

a subject of chemistry

Emphasizes the chemical composition.

FAQs

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

Use "a matter of material" to emphasize the importance of the substance or components involved, such as, "The building's durability is "a matter of material" selection."

What does "a matter of material" mean?

It means that the physical properties, composition, or availability of substances is a key factor in a situation or decision.

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

Alternatives include "a question of substance", "a matter of resources", or "a material consideration depending on the context.

Is it more correct to say "a matter of material" or "a question of material"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a question of material" might be preferred when discussing theoretical considerations, while "a matter of material" emphasizes practical importance.