a straightforward matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"a straightforward matter" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to an uncomplicated situation or process that is easy to understand. For example, you could say: "Security setup was a straightforward matter - all I had to do was enter a few codes and click a few buttons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At first, it seemed like a straightforward matter.

The New York Times

With 21st-century technology, it's a straightforward matter to run a modern home.

The New York Times

It is a straightforward matter, however, to dispense with these presuppositions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The politics of it, though, are a straightforward matter of pandering to constituencies.

The New Yorker

Installing COTS to run an enterprise is not a straightforward matter.

The New York Times - Tech

To categorise a problem as systemic is rarely a straightforward matter.

The Guardian

I've mentioned previously that getting a Russian visa is not a straightforward matter.

The Guardian - Travel

As the experience of IMN shows, achieving dominance is not always a straightforward matter.

The Guardian

"You'd think just getting the abnormal test result to the right person would be a straightforward matter".

The New York Times

Though the newspapers were in a different market to his popular titles, the takeover was anything but a straightforward matter.

The Guardian

Penguin stated in mid-September that this was "a straightforward matter involving the publisher's right to publish the author's next work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or task, using "a straightforward matter" helps set expectations that the task won't be overly difficult or time-consuming.

Common error

While "a straightforward matter" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "simple", "easy", or "clear" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a straightforward matter" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something uncomplicated or easily understood. This phrase is used to characterize a situation, task, or problem.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a straightforward matter" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe something uncomplicated and easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the simplicity of the subject and consider using synonyms to avoid repetition. As Ludwig examples show, this expression is useful to offer clarity, remove doubts and deliver a sense of easiness related to the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple issue

Emphasizes the ease of dealing with the situation.

an easy task

Focuses on the effort required being minimal.

a clear case

Highlights the lack of ambiguity or doubt.

a cut and dried situation

Implies that the outcome is predetermined and obvious.

a piece of cake

An informal way to describe something very easy to do.

a walk in the park

Similar to "a piece of cake", but slightly more descriptive.

a breeze

A more succinct way to say something is effortless.

plain sailing

Indicates smooth and easy progress without obstacles.

an elementary problem

Highlights the basic nature of the issue, suggesting it's easily solved.

a no-brainer

Suggests that the decision or solution is extremely obvious and requires little thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "a straightforward matter" to describe a task, decision, or situation that is easy to understand or resolve. For example: "The installation process was "a straightforward matter", requiring only a few steps."

What are some alternatives to "a straightforward matter"?

Some alternatives to "a straightforward matter" include "a simple issue", "an easy task", or "a clear case". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a straightforward matter" formal or informal?

"A straightforward matter" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles.

What's the difference between "a straightforward matter" and "a complex issue"?

"A straightforward matter" describes something that is simple and easy to understand, while "a complex issue" refers to something that is intricate and difficult to resolve. They are contrasting concepts.