a matter of proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of proportion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the relative size, amount, or importance of something in comparison to another. Example: "In art, the balance of colors is often a matter of proportion to create a harmonious composition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A Matter of Proportion.

The New Yorker

It's all a matter of proportion.

The Guardian

It's usually a matter of proportion and dedication, he said.

The New York Times

It interests him as a matter of proportion.

The New York Times

"It's a matter of proportion," Dr. Chow said.

The New York Times

Here everything can be understood as a matter of proportion and dimension".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It is also a matter of proportions, such as the relation of wheel to body".

The New York Times

"FASHION," Coco Chanel once remarked, "is architecture: it is a matter of proportions".

The New York Times - Books

"It's not a matter of proportioning it out into little pieces of the pie," he said.

Cornell University

Coco Chanel said: "Fashion is architecture – it is a matter of proportions". Dressing like an architect, on the other hand, seems to be a matter of mastering all the small details at once.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is a matter of proportions".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a matter of proportion" when discussing the relative importance or amount of different elements within a larger context. Ensure the comparison is clear and relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of proportion" when absolute values are more relevant than relative comparisons. Ensure that the comparison adds meaningful insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of proportion" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It indicates that the issue being discussed hinges on the relative size, amount, or degree of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of proportion" is a phrase used to emphasize the importance of relative size or amount. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is clear and relevant to avoid misinterpretations. Alternative phrases, such as "a question of balance" or "a matter of scale", can be used depending on the specific context. By understanding its nuances and usage, you can effectively incorporate "a matter of proportion" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of balance

This alternative emphasizes the need for equilibrium or even distribution instead of relative amounts.

a question of scale

This alternative shifts the focus to the magnitude or extent of something, rather than its comparative amount.

an issue of perspective

This alternative highlights how something is viewed or judged, rather than its objective size or amount.

a problem of equilibrium

This alternative suggests a state of balance that has been disrupted and needs to be restored.

a concern of relative size

This alternative explicitly points to the comparative dimension of measurement.

a point of comparison

This alternative emphasizes the act of comparing different things in terms of a particular quality.

a subject of comparative magnitude

This alternative conveys a formal way of emphasizing the comparative scale.

an element of perspective

This alternative emphasizes how things are seen and considered based on context.

a question of adjustment

This alternative suggests a need to modify or change something to achieve a better balance.

a facet of balanced judgment

This alternative underlines the need for judicious evaluation, giving due weight to all relevant factors.

FAQs

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

You can use "a matter of proportion" to describe situations where the relative size or importance of something is key. For example: "Success in this business is "a matter of proportion" – balancing risk and reward."

What does "a matter of proportion" mean?

"A matter of proportion" refers to the relative size, amount, or importance of something compared to something else. It emphasizes balance and comparative assessment.

Is it better to say "a matter of proportion" or "a question of proportion"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a matter of proportion" emphasizes factual comparison, while "a question of proportion" implies uncertainty or debate regarding the correct balance.

What can I say instead of "a matter of proportion"?

You can use alternatives like "a question of balance", "a matter of scale", or "a sense of perspective" depending on the specific context.