a matter of order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues related to organization, structure, or protocol in a specific context, such as meetings or procedures. Example: "The committee meeting was delayed due to a matter of order that needed to be addressed before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His answer consists in showing that it is not a matter of order versus disorder, but rather of one order in relation to another.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Oftentimes it's just a matter of ordering something and seeing if you can get away with it, like extra bacon or cheese (or mashed potatoes and gravy on your KFC sandwich), but sometimes there are legitimate off-menu items, with nicknames and everything, that you can order (with a knowing wink, if you prefer), and the cashier will know exactly what you're talking about.

Huffington Post

Part of it was a matter of birth order, and the political times into which they were first coming of age.

The Washington Post

His conversion to a man of royalist proclivities and religious faith, after which he attended Mass every morning before heading off to work in Russell Square, was at least in part a matter of giving order to a world he saw as intolerably messy.

The New Yorker

"The strangulation of a country is a matter of moral order which conflicts with the founding principles of Europe," Tsipras said on Friday.

Huffington Post

We believe the institution of marriage is crucial to the American family and that marriage should be defined as the legal union of one man and one woman, and we support a Federal Constitutional amendment to that effect.. We support a return to the policy of the United States military to exclude homosexuals as a matter of good order, morale, and discipline.

Huffington Post

But it came down to a matter of following orders.

The New Yorker

The Equator Principles' implementation mechanisms are a matter of private ordering, enforceable at the banks' election.

Columbia University

How liberating would it be, Trump might wonder, to make all legislation a matter of executive orders and sign them at will without Congress, vexing million-strong protests, and a media that readily reports them?

The New Yorker

It's now a matter of banning orders, calls for some FA taskforce or other, and the gradual diminuendo of phone-ins allowing callers to debate whose fans are more racist than theirs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Given these causal factors, the order in which the balls are drawn is a matter of chance; this order is not determined by the mechanics of the physical set up just described.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of order", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to procedural rules, organization, or importance to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of order" when you actually mean "a matter of urgency" or "a matter of importance". Ensure the context specifically relates to arrangement or protocol.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of order" primarily functions as a noun phrase that serves to emphasize the importance of sequence, arrangement, or established rules. It is used to indicate that something must be done according to a specific method or procedure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of order" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of sequence, arrangement, or adherence to established rules. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. To ensure clarity, consider whether you are referring to procedure, organization, or relative importance. Related phrases like "a question of procedure" and "an issue of protocol" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. The key is to ensure the context matches the intended meaning of arrangement or protocol.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of procedure

Focuses on the procedural aspect, highlighting whether established rules are being followed.

an issue of protocol

Emphasizes adherence to established customs and practices.

a question of arrangement

Highlights the organization and sequence of elements.

a matter of priority

Focuses on the relative importance or urgency of something.

a point of regulation

Suggests a specific rule or guideline that needs attention.

a topic of organization

Highlights the need for structuring and systematizing.

an element of structure

Underlines the foundational or organizational aspect.

a subject of systematization

Suggests a need for a more methodical and organized approach.

a case of sequencing

Points to the importance of the correct order or sequence of events.

a detail of logistics

Emphasizes the practical arrangements and coordination needed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a matter of order" to refer to procedural rules, as in "The meeting was adjourned due to "a matter of order" that needed to be addressed".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a question of procedure", "an issue of protocol", or "a matter of priority".

Is it better to say "a matter of order" or "a matter of protocol"?

The best choice depends on the context. "A matter of order" generally refers to sequence or arrangement, while "a matter of protocol" emphasizes adherence to established customs.

When is it appropriate to use "a matter of order" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when discussing the correct sequence of actions, the arrangement of items, or adherence to procedural rules. For example, "Ensuring compliance is "a matter of order" for this project".