Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a matter surfaced
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a matter surfaced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue or topic that has come to light or been revealed, often unexpectedly. Example: "During the meeting, a matter surfaced that required immediate attention from the management team."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
This clearance required a re-review when the Sandusky matter surfaced in November.
News & Media
On the very day that the Jarryd Hayne matter surfaced, we issued a strong statement about the Iran nuclear arrangement.
News & Media
The matter surfaced last week at the county's ballot recount, where Mr. Jacobs was as a volunteer observer.
News & Media
A white matter surface was then generated for each hemisphere by tiling the outside of the white matter mass for that hemisphere.
To standardize the individual solutions, the current estimates of each subject and the grand average source constellations were projected on the 1231 possible source loci of a triangularized gray matter surface of an averaged brain (Uutela et al. 1999).
Science
But Ms. Theron's transformation, supervised by the makeup wizard Toni G, is not just a matter of surfaces.
News & Media
He argues that the differences commonly associated with race are purely a matter of surface appearance, adaptations by various populations to the climates in which they evolved.
News & Media
And the journalist's profound fear of being gulled only confirms him in his dualist creed — his dark conviction that character is a matter of surfaces and depths, appearance and reality, and that the "deepest" layer flatters least.
News & Media
Although much of The West Wing's appeal lies in its air of letting the audience in on the secrets of the spin-doctors' craft, its naturalism is strictly a matter of surfaces, as is its vaunted liberalism.
News & Media
Amis returns to the dangers of staleness and repetition again and again, and there is no cheap irony in that, because none of it is finally a matter of surface appearance: "Cliché spreads inwards from the language of the book to its heart.
News & Media
After reconstruction of the grey matter surface from an individual's high-resolution T1-weighted MRI, we specify a set of anatomically informed basis functions, fit the model parameters for a single time point, using a regularized solution, and finally make inferences about the estimated parameters over time.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a matter surfaced", ensure the context clearly indicates the matter was previously unknown or hidden, adding a sense of discovery or revelation to your writing.
Common error
Avoid using "a matter surfaced" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more direct and precise phrases like "an issue arose" or "a problem emerged" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a matter surfaced" functions primarily as a narrative device to introduce an issue or topic that has become apparent or revealed. It indicates the emergence of something previously unknown or hidden. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in news and scientific contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
67%
Science
33%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a matter surfaced" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that an issue or topic has come to light, often unexpectedly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, although its frequency is relatively rare, appearing mostly in news and scientific contexts. For more formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "an issue arose" or "a problem emerged" for enhanced clarity. Use "a matter surfaced" when you want to convey a sense of discovery or revelation.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a subject surfaced
Denotes the act of a theme or matter rising to awareness or attention.
an issue arose
Focuses on the commencement or appearance of a problem or point of discussion.
a problem emerged
Highlights the development and exposure of a difficulty or challenge.
a topic came to light
Emphasizes that a specific subject has been disclosed or revealed.
an issue came up
Suggests that a particular matter was introduced or presented during a discussion or event.
the problem came to light
Highlights the exposure or disclosure of a difficulty or challenge.
a question arose
Implies a point of inquiry or uncertainty has been brought forward.
the question emerged
Underlines how a specific point of investigation has developed and manifested.
a concern was raised
Indicates that a worry or anxiety has been expressed or highlighted.
an inquiry surfaced
Emphasizes the emergence or exposure of a request for information.
FAQs
What does "a matter surfaced" mean?
It means an issue, topic, or problem has come to light or been revealed, often unexpectedly.
How can I use "a matter surfaced" in a sentence?
You can use it to introduce a previously unknown issue, such as, "During the investigation, "a matter surfaced" that changed the entire course of the inquiry."
What can I say instead of "a matter surfaced"?
Alternatives include "an issue arose", "a problem emerged", or "a topic came to light".
Is it appropriate to use "a matter surfaced" in formal writing?
While grammatically correct, consider more direct alternatives like "an issue arose" for clarity and professionalism in formal contexts.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested