clear the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to resolve confusion or clarify a situation or issue. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, let's take a moment to clear the matter regarding the budget allocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Testing a cheek swab from a baby can easily clear the matter up.

The Economist

"The issues are clear: the matter is now up to Mrs. Bennett.

The New York Times

This is, of course, speculation, and it's quite possible that I've missed some papers that clear the matter up.

The Guardian

Approval to organize a regional meeting can be obtained by writing the Vice President who will clear the matter with the appropriate members of the executive committee.

Harvard University

The efficiency inquiry will be revisited by a jury on the merits, and if the evidence is sufficiently clear, the matter can be resolved via summary judgment.

Columbia University

Now new data presented to the summer meeting of the American Astronomical Society, in Nashville, Tennessee, may help to clear the matter up.In this section A ghoul's banquet?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

One thing that has become clear: the subject matter for the book — Barbaro — is revered across the country.

The New York Times

As he also made clear, the subject matter of many of his plays was drawn from his own life.

The New York Times

That cleared the matter up.

The New Yorker

Ricky Gervais cleared the matter up, tweeting: "Some people are in a frenzy over the hashtag #nowthatcherisdead.

Independent

It was not known, though, whether simply altering ambient light intensity might have similar effects.A team of researchers led by Laura Fonken of Ohio State University has cleared the matter up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear the matter" when you want to convey the idea of making something understandable and free from confusion, especially after some investigation or discussion. For example, "After reviewing the evidence, we were able to "clear the matter" and determine the correct course of action."

Common error

Avoid using "clear the matter" when referring to physically clearing an object or space. The phrase is specific to resolving abstract issues, not physical obstructions. For instance, don't say "Please "clear the matter" from the table"; instead, say "Please clear the table".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear the matter" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of resolving a problem, clarifying a misunderstanding, or reaching a conclusion on a particular issue. Ludwig confirms that it is a standard phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear the matter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiomatic expression that means to resolve confusion or clarify a situation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. While various alternative phrases exist, such as "resolve the issue" or "clarify the situation", "clear the matter" is a versatile and readily understood option for expressing the idea of bringing clarity to an issue. It's important not to confuse it with physically clearing something. Based on the number of examples Ludwig provides, it's a common phrase that is deemed authoritative and useful for professional and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the issue

Focuses more directly on the act of finding a solution to a specific problem.

clarify the situation

Emphasizes making something easier to understand, removing ambiguity.

settle the question

Implies bringing a definitive end to a debate or uncertainty.

straighten things out

More informal, suggesting a simplification of a complicated situation.

sort things out

Implies an organized effort to resolve problems or misunderstandings.

elucidate the problem

Focuses on making the problem clear and understandable through detailed explanation.

shed light on the subject

Suggests revealing new information to make something clearer.

get to the bottom of it

Indicates a desire to uncover the root cause of an issue.

iron out the details

Focuses on resolving minor discrepancies or ambiguities in a plan or agreement.

set the record straight

Implies correcting false or misleading information.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear the matter" to indicate resolving confusion or misunderstanding. For example: "The investigation helped to "clear the matter" and identify the responsible parties."

What can I say instead of "clear the matter"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve the issue", "clarify the situation", or "settle the question" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "clear the matter" or "clear up the matter"?

Both "clear the matter" and "clear up the matter" are correct and idiomatic. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific rhythm of the sentence. They are largely interchangeable.

What's the difference between "clear the matter" and "address the matter"?

"Clear the matter" implies resolving confusion or misunderstanding, while "address the matter" simply means to give attention to it. You might address a matter without necessarily clearing it up. To address something means to start dealing with it, while to clear something means to get rid of any issues.