about the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific topic or issue that has been previously mentioned or is currently being addressed. Example: "We need to have a conversation about the matter of budget allocation for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She wrote the Bureau about the matter.

The New Yorker

But Palmer was firm about the matter.

The New York Times - Sports

never testified publicly about the matter.

The New York Times

Otherwise, neither side has said much more about the matter.

The Economist

She declined to comment about the matter for this article.

The New York Times

Here's how I had thought about the matter.

The Economist

(Mr. Moore has been mostly silent about the matter).

The New York Times - Arts

Colon has refused to talk about the matter.

The New York Times - Sports

But you're not thinking" about the matter at hand.

The New York Times - Books

The State Department has said little about the matter.

The New York Times

On Sunday, Luongo was asked again about the matter.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about the matter" to refer back to a specific issue or topic that has already been introduced, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "about the matter" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "regarding the subject" or "concerning the issue" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about the matter" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify the topic or issue being discussed. As Ludwig AI's analysis suggests, it's a common way to refer to a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about the matter" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that refers to a specific topic or issue, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts but also appears in scientific and wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it may be prudent to opt for more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. The phrase is versatile in its usage, appearing in sentences where individuals comment, refuse to comment, or inquire about specific subjects. Remember to consider context and tone when using this phrase to ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the subject

Focuses specifically on the topic being discussed, implying a direct relevance.

concerning the issue

Highlights a point of contention or problem needing resolution.

pertaining to the topic

Suggests a formal or technical connection to the subject.

in reference to the question

Directs attention to a specific query or inquiry.

with respect to the situation

Emphasizes the context or circumstances surrounding the subject.

in connection with the affair

Indicates involvement or association with a particular event or incident.

relating to the circumstance

Highlights the events or conditions impacting the subject.

relative to the point

Focuses on the specific argument or idea being addressed.

apropos the item

Introduces a comment or observation relevant to the specific object or detail.

in terms of the consideration

Specifies the aspect or angle from which the subject is being evaluated.

FAQs

How can I use "about the matter" in a sentence?

You can use "about the matter" to refer to a topic previously mentioned, as in "She declined to comment "about the matter" for this article".

What phrases are similar to "about the matter"?

Similar phrases include "regarding the subject", "concerning the issue", or "pertaining to the topic", each with slightly different connotations.

Is "about the matter" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "about the matter" might sound less formal than alternatives like "with regard to" or "in relation to", which are often preferred in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "about the matter" and "regarding the matter"?

Both phrases are similar, but "regarding the matter" may be perceived as slightly more formal and direct, while "about the matter" can sometimes imply a broader or less specific connection.