a weightier matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weightier matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that is more significant or serious than others being considered. Example: "While the budget cuts are concerning, we must focus on a weightier matter: the impact on our community's health services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some hours later, he had a weightier matter to consider.

The New York Times

The masterpieces query is a weightier matter and it comes with lots of historical baggage.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He encouraged visitors to pay with 40 rolls of pennies (weighing about 12½ pounds) to show that the steep admission price was a weighty matter.

The New York Times

After the first session they were assigned randomly to either a control group, which remained awake, or a nap group, which had 100 minutes of monitored sleep.In this section Fired up Sleepy heads Signs of life A weighty matter ReprintsThose who remained awake throughout the day became worse at learning.

The Economist

These give some idea of a sample's age.In this section Fired up Sleepy heads Signs of life A weighty matter ReprintsThe result is a profile that is often characteristic of a particular type of reactor or centrifuge, and sometimes of an individual machine and can also indicate how long ago the processing took place.

The Economist

Also, recent searches for extrasolar planets have concluded that planets are not rare.In this section Fired up Sleepy heads Signs of life A weighty matter Reprints Related items Correction: Alien lifeMar 4th 2010At the AAAS, Dr Drake reflected on his search for alien signals.

The Economist

When one has passed, they leap into action to blossom in the clearing that the fire has created.In this section Fired up Sleepy heads Signs of life A weighty matter ReprintsPrometheus's giftThat fact alone that species have adapted to fire and turned it to their advantage shows that fire is a longstanding part of the natural environment.

The Economist

Getting married is – or should be – a weighty matter, and is always worthy of celebration, whether the wedding takes place with full rites before hundreds of formally dressed onlookers in St Paul's Cathedral, or before a casual group of 55 wellwishers at home on a hillside in Los Angeles, with music, dancing, dogs and samosas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A Weighty Matter So why is use of prescription drugs highest in the South?

Forbes

Since the prize is a weighty matter, a cross between the Academy Award and sainthood, this knowledge should prove sobering.

Forbes

A Weighty Matter The drive to make millions may not have diminished much in the last 20 years, but the weight of a suit's fabric certainly has.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a weightier matter" when you want to indicate that one issue or topic is more significant or serious than others being discussed. It effectively signals a shift in focus to something of greater consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "a weightier matter" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday settings; opt for simpler alternatives like "more important" or "more serious" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weightier matter" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a topic or issue that carries greater significance or importance than others under consideration. Ludwig AI highlights the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a weightier matter" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, primarily within News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize that a particular topic is more significant than others being discussed. While it's an effective way to highlight importance, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings to prevent sounding overly formal. Consider alternatives like "more important" or "more serious" in casual contexts. This phrase is best suited for formal writing, presentations, or discussions where you want to convey the gravity of a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more significant issue

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the issue.

a more serious concern

Highlights the gravity or potential danger of the situation.

a more pressing problem

Focuses on the urgency and need for immediate attention.

a matter of greater importance

Directly states the superior significance of the topic.

a more substantial issue

Indicates the solid or considerable nature of the matter.

a more consequential matter

Highlights the importance of the effects or results.

a more critical subject

Focuses on the decisive or crucial aspect of the topic.

a graver situation

Highlights the extreme seriousness or solemnity.

a weightier consideration

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness and importance of the issue.

a more vital question

Stresses the essential or life-affecting nature of the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a weightier matter" to introduce a topic that is more important than what was previously discussed. For example, "While the budget cuts are concerning, we must focus on "a weightier matter": the impact on our community's health services."

What are some alternatives to "a weightier matter"?

You can use alternatives like "a more significant issue", "a more serious concern", or "a more pressing problem" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a weightier matter"?

It is appropriate to use "a weightier matter" in formal writing, presentations, or discussions where you need to emphasize the relative importance of a topic. It's suitable for situations where you want to convey a sense of gravity or significance.

Is "a weightier matter" more formal than "a more important issue"?

Yes, "a weightier matter" tends to be more formal than "a more important issue". The former carries a slightly stronger sense of seriousness and deliberation, making it suitable for formal or professional contexts.