actual matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actual matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the real or tangible aspects of a situation or topic, often to distinguish between theoretical or abstract concepts and what is genuinely relevant. Example: "While the theory is interesting, we need to focus on the actual matter at hand to make progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There is something almost mystical about how much of Runyon resides in a show that contains so little of his actual matter.

The New Yorker

The interference effect, these optimists speculate, might be exploited to create holograms (that is, three-dimensional photographs) of actual matter, rather than mere images.

The Economist

These are quite sizeable lengths of time, so what evidence did you have on the likely impact on claimants that these extended sanction periods would have?" Later on, the conversation would turn to the actual matter of deprivation: what was the pathway between being sanctioned and getting hardship funds?

The Guardian - Opinion

This treatment of the infinite by Crescas and the (metaphoric) opinion that God is the place of the world, a point Crescas considered as one of God's attributes, helped Spinoza build his original view that extension is also an attribute of God.[21] In Aristotle's opinion, all actual matter exists with certain properties like dimension, quality (cold, warm, humid and dry) and weight.

SEP

This paper presents three case studies on the influence of soil pattern developed in geological time scales on actual matter transport: (i) solid phase transport in agricultural landscapes, (ii) solute transport from forested catchments, and (iii) gas fluxes from agricultural landscapes.

Geoderma

That's an actual matter of foreign policy!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And yet, although I do have references to pop culture in my fiction writing, I'm just not particularly invested in it as actual subject matter.

The New Yorker

"Always I have relied on the actual subject matter because the eye sees so much more than the camera: half tones, shadows, minute changes in the color or light.

The New York Times - Arts

One way Kubrick was able to nudge the boy in a certain direction was by concealing from him the movie's actual subject matter, which was deemed too gruesome for someone so young.

The New York Times

Despite thematic similarities in the form of her work, the actual subject matter of Pariset's work varies drastically from project to project.

Vice

I thought if I used light, shadow, wind, and smoke almost exclusively for the sense of action/motion and the actual subject matter (Jasmina, in this case) was almost completely static, then something real cool might happen.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actual matter" to emphasize the factual or tangible aspects of a subject, especially when contrasting it with theoretical or abstract considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "actual matter" when the context already implies reality. For example, instead of saying "the actual matter of fact", simply state "the fact".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual matter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "actual" modifies the noun "matter". It serves to specify and emphasize the concrete or real nature of a subject, issue, or substance, differentiating it from abstract or theoretical concepts. Ludwig AI confirms this use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actual matter" is a phrase used to emphasize the tangible, factual, and real aspects of a subject or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and can be used across various contexts, but is especially prevalent in News & Media and Science. Its primary function is to highlight the concrete details, contrasting them with theoretical considerations. When using the phrase, ensure that the context doesn't already imply reality to avoid redundancy, and consider alternatives like "real substance" or "factual basis" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real substance

Emphasizes the genuine and tangible nature of the subject, rather than its theoretical aspects.

true content

Focuses on the authentic and core elements of the topic at hand.

factual basis

Highlights the reliance on verifiable information and evidence.

genuine issue

Shifts the focus to a problem that is real and not fabricated.

concrete reality

Underscores the tangible and observable aspects of the situation.

tangible elements

Highlights the physical and measurable components.

the heart of the matter

Focuses on the most important and essential part of the topic.

core component

Emphasizes the fundamental building block or part.

practical considerations

Highlights the real-world implications and applications.

physical reality

Stresses the tangible existence of something.

FAQs

How to use "actual matter" in a sentence?

You can use "actual matter" to emphasize the real or tangible aspects of a situation, like in the sentence: "The discussion shifted from theoretical possibilities to the "actual matter" of resource allocation".

What can I say instead of "actual matter"?

You can use alternatives like "real substance", "factual basis", or "genuine issue" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "actual matter" or "real matter"?

Both "actual matter" and "real matter" can be correct, but "actual matter" often emphasizes a contrast with something theoretical, while "real matter" simply highlights the authenticity.

What's the difference between "actual matter" and "subject matter"?

"Actual matter" refers to the concrete facts or realities of a situation, whereas "subject matter" refers to the topic being discussed or studied.