competing matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competing matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where multiple issues or concerns are in conflict or competition with each other. Example: "In the negotiation process, we must carefully consider the competing matters at hand to reach a fair agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yes, the record number of out LGBT athletes competing matters.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When Mr. Soss rushed in, claiming what amounted to a hustle defense — he had been "caught upstairs," he said, in a competing matter — the judge, enraged, fined him $1,000 for contempt of court.

The New York Times

When I was competing, no matter the sport, I was an athlete, and I was free to be myself.

Huffington Post

Larry Lucchino, the president of the Boston Red Sox, says he urges his staff to compete in matters like guessing the day's attendance or predicting the weather or simply remembering the worst idea from previous meetings.

The New York Times - Sports

There, advertising matter competes with editorial matter for the reader's attention, and it is fair competition.

The New Yorker

Dr. Lewis, an Evangelical minister who buys time for his sermons at 4 30 a.m. on BET and whose Web site offers an Anointed Prosperity Kit for $24.95 plus shipping and handling, has had other matters competing for his attention.

The New York Times

It finds that the lack of representation is leading to widespread legal delays, imposing financial burdens on opposing parties fortunate enough to have lawyers, and on businesses and individuals with other legal matters competing for judges' attention.

The New York Times

Now Mizzou nation can focus on what truly matters, competing in the SEC.

Huffington Post

Dixon-Woods et al. [ 9] state that staff deal with competing priorities about matters that are inherently contestable.

BMC Health Services Research

Creating giants able to compete globally mattered more than healthy competition at home.

The Economist

"In Korea, we compete no matter what the conditions so the downpour did not bother us much," Yun said later.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In situations involving "competing matters", prioritizing them effectively is crucial; consider using frameworks like Eisenhower Matrix to categorize and address urgent vs. important tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "competing matters" without specifying what those matters are. Vague references can confuse your audience. Be specific to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competing matters" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It refers to multiple issues, concerns, or items that are in a state of rivalry or opposition. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from legal situations to personal priorities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "competing matters" is a useful way to refer to multiple issues or concerns that are vying for attention or resources. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct and Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatility across different contexts, including news, science, and business. While phrases such as "conflicting priorities" and "opposing concerns" offer similar meanings, "competing matters" specifically highlights the sense of rivalry between the different issues. When writing, ensuring that you explicitly state each matter can provide clarity to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competing concerns

Synonymous, replacing 'matters' with 'concerns' for slight variation.

conflicting priorities

Focuses on the aspect of prioritization when different matters require attention simultaneously.

conflicting demands

Emphasizes the pressure and urgency from different matters requiring fulfillment.

opposing concerns

Highlights the adversarial nature of different matters that are in disagreement.

rival issues

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of different matters vying for attention or resources.

contending affairs

A more formal way of describing matters that are in contention or dispute.

antagonistic issues

Highlights the hostile nature of issues in direct opposition.

clashing interests

Specifically points out the conflict arising from differing interests among various matters.

discordant elements

Highlights the lack of harmony or agreement between different aspects.

divergent considerations

Focuses on the aspect of differing viewpoints or factors to be taken into account.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "competing matters" in a sentence?

Use "competing matters" to introduce a scenario where multiple issues or concerns are vying for attention or resources. For instance, "The project manager had to balance the "competing matters" of budget constraints and ambitious deadlines".

What phrases are similar to "competing matters"?

Alternatives to "competing matters" include "conflicting priorities", "opposing concerns", or "rival issues". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the conflict.

Is it better to use "competing matters" or "conflicting matters"?

Both "competing matters" and "conflicting matters" are grammatically correct and semantically similar. "Competing matters" emphasizes a sense of rivalry, while "conflicting matters" emphasizes disagreement or opposition. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is "competing matters" most appropriate?

"Competing matters" is appropriate in contexts where different issues or concerns are not necessarily in direct conflict, but are vying for the same resources, attention, or prioritization. This is distinct from situations involving direct opposition or contradiction.