a pending matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pending matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an issue or situation that is awaiting resolution or decision. Example: "The committee will address a pending matter during the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr. Batra refused to comment other than to say, "It is a pending matter for the court to resolve".

The New York Times

John Wayne, executive director of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, declined to comment on what he said was a pending matter.

The New York Times - Sports

With his ruling, Judge Johnson, who said he could not comment about a pending matter before him, created his own solution to the tightening judicial budgets that have caused alarm among judges across the country.

The New York Times

Attorney General Janet Reno was asked today at a news conference about the impression of a double standard, and she replied: "I can't comment with respect to the Wen Ho Lee case, because that is a pending matter.

The New York Times

Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye has generally favored cameras in the courtroom, but officials said yesterday that it would be inappropriate for her to comment on a pending matter.

The New York Times

The correct analgesia should not be a pending matter of the intensivist but a mandatory course.

Medicina Intensiva

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"The code of conduct for United States judges prohibits judges from publicly discussing the merits of any pending matter," the fax said.

The New York Times

"You've taken care of all pending matters?" He sniffs again.

The New York Times

The new rules would also make clear that if no senator is on the floor to mount a filibuster, the senator presiding over the Senate could immediately move to a vote on the pending matter.

The New York Times

Schneider has at all times complied with Illinois and federal law and declines further comment on the pending matter as a courtesy to the involved parties".

Huffington Post

The Democrats objected, and the Tester bill will be the pending matter when the Senate returns in November.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pending matter" when you want to politely avoid discussing a sensitive or unresolved issue, particularly in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "a pending matter" in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "still working on it" or "not settled yet" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pending matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pending matter" is a grammatically sound and neutrally professional way to refer to an unresolved issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing that it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While effective for formal communications and declining to comment directly, simpler alternatives are often better suited for casual settings. When considering alternatives, you can pick words such as "an unresolved issue" or "an outstanding item". Remember, using "a pending matter" implies a situation that is ongoing and awaiting resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unresolved issue

Focuses on the lack of resolution rather than the ongoing process.

an outstanding item

Emphasizes that something remains to be done or completed.

a matter in abeyance

More formal, suggesting temporary suspension or inactivity.

an ongoing concern

Highlights the continuous nature and potential worry associated with the issue.

an open question

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of a definitive answer.

a work in progress

Implies active development or change.

a continuing situation

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the event or issue.

an unsettled account

More specific to financial or transactional contexts.

an incomplete task

Highlights the unfinished nature of the work.

a deferred decision

Emphasizes that the decision has been postponed to a later time.

FAQs

How can I use "a pending matter" in a sentence?

You can use "a pending matter" to refer to something that is yet to be resolved or decided, as in: "The committee will address "a pending matter" at the next meeting."

What's a more informal way to say "a pending matter"?

Informal alternatives to "a pending matter" include phrases like "still up in the air", "not settled yet", or "in progress."

Is it appropriate to use "a pending matter" in all situations?

While grammatically correct, "a pending matter" is generally more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In casual conversations, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What can I say instead of "a pending matter" when declining to comment?

Instead of saying "I can't comment on "a pending matter"", you could state "I'm unable to discuss this at this time" or "I'm not at liberty to say."