a substantial matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue or topic that is significant or important in a particular context. Example: "The committee will address a substantial matter regarding the budget allocation for the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

President Obama's initiative to seek deep cuts in the strategic arsenals of the US and Russia is a substantial matter for bilateral negotiation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Technical difficulties marred a few songs in a preview performance of Mr. Brittelle's "Television Landscape" — a substantial matter since Mr. Brittelle, who seriously injured his vocal cords during a performance with a punk group in 2004, was miming his own studio-recorded vocals in front of a live rock band augmented with strings, harp, woodwinds and French horns.

The New York Times - Arts

Although the details of the internalism/externalism debate are complex and won't be pursued further here [see SEP entry on internalist vs. externalist conceptions of epistemic justification] it should be clear that there is a major dispute here, so that a departure from the internalist perspective, as process reliabilism advocates, is indeed a substantial matter for epistemologists.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Given sufficiently deep coverage of the samples, the accuracy of this pipeline is generally quite high, but we have identified a substantial dark matter fraction of the genome with very poor accuracy using our Variation Accuracy Simulator (VAS).

Bioinformatics

Squeezing all that into a beach ball is testament to the fact that the substantial matter of our everyday experience is, in fact, largely empty space.

The Guardian

Biographical inquiry is, and when there is substantial matter to draw upon, she is eloquent.

The New York Times - Books

He argued that light is substantial matter, the propagation of which requires time, even if this is hidden from our senses.

Wikipedia

By contrast, "A Serious Man," from 2009 — a no-less-jokey treatment of substantial matters — turns their own jokiness into the film's own subject.

The New Yorker

She should be suggesting summary justice.8 58: I wish to focus this on more substantial matters.

The Economist

The Rudd and Gillard governments and the mining industry have argued over substantial matters of public policy ranging from taxation to regulation.

The Guardian

When differences arise among Christians on substantial matters, they may fall into division for the sake, as each side sees it, of truth and salvation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial matter", ensure the context clearly establishes the importance or significance of the issue being discussed. Use it to signal that the topic requires serious consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial matter" in very casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday scenarios. Opt for simpler terms like "a big deal" or "important issue" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a topic or issue that is considered significant or important. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial matter" is a phrase used to denote a topic or issue of considerable importance. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly formal ones. While it is not as common as other similar phrases like "a significant issue", it effectively conveys the seriousness of the subject. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants its formality and that it clearly communicates the significance of the matter at hand. It is best used to signal that a topic requires careful attention and consideration. The phrase appears mostly in News & Media and Science context. Despite being rare, the phrase is correct and useful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue" to denote a point of discussion or concern.

a matter of consequence

Uses the phrase "of consequence" to directly state the importance of the matter.

a considerable subject

Uses "considerable" to emphasize the noteworthiness and size of the topic.

a serious concern

Highlights the gravity and worry associated with the matter.

an important topic

Substitutes "substantial" and "matter" with more common synonyms to denote relevance.

a relevant consideration

Focuses on the applicability and pertinence of the subject under discussion.

a crucial point

Emphasizes that the matter is critical and decisive.

a weighty issue

Replaces "substantial" with "weighty" to denote the heaviness and importance of the matter.

a momentous affair

Highlights the historical significance and impact of the matter.

a noteworthy event

Highlights the notability of the matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial matter" to refer to a topic or issue of significant importance. For example, "The board meeting will address "a substantial matter" concerning the company's future investments".

What are some alternatives to using "a substantial matter"?

Alternatives to "a substantial matter" include phrases like "a significant issue", "an important topic", or "a serious concern", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a substantial matter"?

It is appropriate to use "a substantial matter" in formal or professional contexts where you need to emphasize the significance or importance of a particular issue or topic. It is best suited for written communication or formal discussions.

What is the difference between "a substantial matter" and "a minor issue"?

"A substantial matter" refers to something significant and worthy of serious consideration, while "a minor issue" describes something of little importance or consequence. The choice between the two depends on the actual importance of the subject at hand.