a matter of values

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of values" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ethical considerations, beliefs, or principles that influence decisions or actions. Example: "The decision to implement the new policy is not just a logistical issue; it's a matter of values that reflects our commitment to social responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

As the cliche says, it is a matter of values.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather, it was simply a matter of values and conveyed importance.

University of California, Berkeley

The "money interest" has yielded to "the elite," as populism has become a matter of "values," rather than class.

The New York Times

For David Kaiser, a classmate of Mr. Strauss who is a historian at the Naval War College, the compensation issue is a matter of values.

The New York Times

NEW YORK — If you're like me, the hot-button issue of exorbitant pay for corporate executives is mainly a moral one, a matter of values.

The New York Times

Stumping through the socially conservative western reaches of this important swing state, Gov. George W. Bush today questioned the integrity, courage and moral character of Vice President Al Gore and called the presidential race a matter of values.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The first is a matter of fact, the second a matter of value.

The New York Times

This is not a matter of one religion defeating another, it's a matter of value systems which cannot coexist".

The New York Times

The early American political economy appears in a different light: money becomes a matter of value and governance at once, and therefore a crucial area of constitutional debate.

Harvard University

Trainers and leaders who influence and coordinate these very complex innovation processes should be mindful of the fact that new teaching behaviour is not only a matter of 'can or cannot' but also a matter of value and norms related choices of the teachers involved [ 2, 20].

BMC Medical Education

But I don't want to pretend that my wariness of the flag was just a matter of political values.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a matter of values", ensure the context clearly defines whose values are being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "a matter of company values" or "a matter of personal values".

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of values" when the issue at hand involves factual disagreements or technical expertise. Misapplying the phrase can oversimplify complex situations and dismiss valid counterarguments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of values" primarily functions as a subjective qualifier, indicating that a viewpoint or decision is based on personal ethics and beliefs rather than objective facts. Ludwig examples support this, showing its use in contexts ranging from politics to personal morality. It introduces an element of personal interpretation and judgment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of values" serves as a qualifier indicating that a decision or perspective stems from subjective ethics and beliefs, rather than objective facts. Ludwig AI categorizes it as grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic settings, it maintains a generally neutral register. Remember, using this phrase effectively requires clarity about whose values are being referenced, and avoiding its misapplication in situations demanding factual or technical evaluations. Keep in mind that there are several alternatives like "a question of ethics" and "a matter of principles" which may be more appropriate depending on your specific use case. By being mindful of these nuances, you can use "a matter of values" with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of ethics

Focuses more specifically on moral principles guiding behavior.

a question of principles

Highlights fundamental beliefs that guide decisions.

an ethical consideration

Emphasizes the moral aspects of a decision or situation.

an issue of morality

Directly addresses the rightness or wrongness of an action.

a moral imperative

Suggests a strong, compelling reason based on moral beliefs.

a matter of priorities

Shifts the focus to what is considered most important.

a reflection of beliefs

Highlights how actions align with one's personal convictions.

a testament to ideals

Implies that something serves as evidence of deeply held beliefs.

rooted in convictions

Focuses on the deep-seated beliefs that influence decisions.

grounded in principles

Emphasizes that actions are based on a solid foundation of beliefs.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "a matter of values"?

It signifies that a decision, issue, or perspective is primarily influenced by someone's ethical beliefs, moral principles, or personal convictions, rather than objective facts or logic.

When is it appropriate to say something is "a matter of values"?

It is appropriate when the discussion centers on subjective beliefs and ethical considerations, such as differing views on social issues, personal choices, or ethical dilemmas.

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

You can use alternatives like "a question of ethics", "a matter of principles", or "an ethical consideration" depending on the context.

How does "a matter of values" differ from "a matter of fact"?

"A matter of fact" refers to something that can be proven or disproven with evidence, while "a matter of values" concerns subjective beliefs and moral judgments that cannot be objectively verified. One pertains to objective truth, the other to subjective perspectives.