a matter of speculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a matter of speculation' is correctly used in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example, you could use it when discussing a hypothetical scenario, such as: "Whether or not the team will win the championship is a matter of speculation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their origins are a matter of speculation.

The New Yorker

Why is a matter of speculation.

The New York Times

Her actual sex life remains a matter of speculation.

The New York Times

So far, it's all just a matter of speculation.

The Washington Post

Mr. Putin's real work is partly a matter of speculation.

The New York Times

But this is all a matter of speculation.

The Guardian

Whether or not they arrived with overbites remains a matter of speculation.

The New Yorker

Exactly how much Mr. Obama will raise this year is a matter of speculation and dispute.

The New York Times

Whether anyone besides Mr. Waits could do them justice is a matter of speculation.

The New York Times - Arts

The costs and potential profits of the gas discoveries are a matter of speculation.

The New York Times

Whether it can allow such conduct to continue must be a matter of speculation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a matter of speculation" to indicate that there is no definitive answer or information available about a topic. It's suitable when introducing possibilities or hypotheses.

Common error

While "a matter of speculation" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "uncertain", "hypothetical", or "conjectural" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

"A matter of speculation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a topic or situation as being uncertain or based on conjecture. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from political analysis to scientific inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

56%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A matter of speculation" is a versatile phrase used to indicate uncertainty or conjecture. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While it is a common expression, it's important to use it judiciously and vary your language to maintain reader engagement. The phrase signals that a topic is open to interpretation due to a lack of definitive information. Its neutral to formal register makes it appropriate for objective and analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A point of conjecture

Highlights the speculative nature of a particular detail or aspect.

Open to conjecture

Emphasizes the possibility of various interpretations or guesses.

A topic of debate

Highlights ongoing discussion and differing opinions on the subject.

Subject to debate

Highlights that the topic is being actively discussed with differing viewpoints.

A subject of guesswork

Suggests that understanding relies on educated guesses due to lack of information.

A question mark hangs over

Emphasizes doubt and ambiguity surrounding the subject.

Up for consideration

Indicates that the topic is being evaluated and assessed.

Open to interpretation

Indicates that the subject can be understood in multiple ways.

Uncertainty surrounds

Focuses on the lack of definitive information or clarity.

Remains unresolved

Stresses that the issue has not been settled or decided.

FAQs

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

You can use "a matter of speculation" to indicate that something is uncertain or based on guesswork. For instance, "The reasons behind the company's sudden bankruptcy remain "a matter of speculation"".

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

You can use alternatives like "open to debate", "subject to interpretation", or "remains unresolved depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a matter of speculation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a matter of speculation" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral phrase that clearly indicates uncertainty about a topic. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids presenting speculation as fact.

What's the difference between "a matter of speculation" and "a matter of fact"?

"A matter of speculation" implies uncertainty and conjecture, while "a matter of fact" indicates something is known and verifiable. They are opposites in terms of certainty and evidence.