a matter of right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of right" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that something is justified or entitled based on law or principle. Example: "The citizens believe that access to clean water is a matter of right, not a privilege."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are not a matter of right," he said.

The New York Times

Appeals to the Board will be available as a matter of right.

Cornell University

The present statute does not grant bail as a matter of right.

Cornell University

Our statutes and rules make an appeal in a criminal case a matter of right.

Cornell University

French believes it's all a matter of right place, right time.

The Guardian - Books

'A stay is not a matter of right, even if irreparable injury might otherwise result to the appellant.

Cornell University

In such action under this section, the Administrator, if not a party, may intervene as a matter of right.

Cornell University

Cooking is not so much a matter of right or wrong but of learning what you like".

The New York Times

In this view social welfare is extended and received as a matter of right rather than of need.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bolton said: "Complete trial transcript has been available as a matter of right in the US since 1956.

The Guardian

But it does mean that altering or razing a registered historic landmark cannot be undertaken as a matter of right.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a matter of right" when you want to emphasize that something is not a privilege or favor, but a fundamental entitlement that should be respected and upheld. For instance, "Access to information should be considered "a matter of right", not a luxury."

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of right" when expressing a subjective viewpoint or personal preference. This phrase implies a legal or moral entitlement, not a personal belief. For example, saying "Classical music is "a matter of right" is incorrect; instead, use 'Classical music is a matter of opinion'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of right" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as an entitlement, not a privilege or favor. It's commonly used to assert that certain things are due to individuals or entities based on legal, moral, or ethical principles. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase indicates a justified claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of right" is a common phrase used to denote an entitlement or something that is inherently due to an individual or entity, not a privilege. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, most notably in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. The phrase should be used to emphasize a justified claim based on legal, moral, or ethical principles and not when expressing personal opinions. Remember to explore alternatives like "a lawful entitlement" or "an inherent entitlement" to add variety to your writing. By using "a matter of right" correctly, you can effectively assert claims and emphasize entitlements in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a legal entitlement

Emphasizes the grounding of the entitlement in law.

a lawful entitlement

Emphasizes the legality and the formal basis of the entitlement.

an inherent entitlement

Focuses on the inherent nature of the entitlement, implying it's intrinsic.

an established entitlement

Emphasizes the well-settled and recognized nature of the entitlement.

a guaranteed prerogative

Highlights the guaranteed aspect and the privileged nature of the entitlement.

an undeniable prerogative

Highlights the inability to deny the entitlement or privilege.

a vested privilege

Focuses on the secure and protected nature of the privilege.

a legitimate due

Stresses the legitimacy and the deserved nature of what is received.

a guaranteed benefit

Highlights the guaranteed and advantageous aspect of what is received.

a recognized claim

Highlights the acknowledgment and validation of the entitlement.

FAQs

How do I use "a matter of right" in a sentence?

Use "a matter of right" to indicate that something is an entitlement, not a privilege. For example, "Citizens should have access to healthcare as "a matter of right"".

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

You can use alternatives like "a lawful entitlement", "an inherent entitlement", or "a legal entitlement" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a matter of right"?

It's appropriate to use "a matter of right" when discussing legally protected rights, fundamental entitlements, or when contrasting something that should be guaranteed versus something considered a privilege.

What is the difference between "a matter of right" and "a privilege"?

"A matter of right" refers to something someone is inherently entitled to, often legally or morally. In contrast, a "privilege" is a benefit or advantage granted under specific circumstances and is not guaranteed.