description of the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "description of the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an explanation or account of a specific issue or topic being discussed. Example: "In the report, we included a detailed description of the matter to ensure clarity for all stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The trial court allowed the police officer who had responded to the girlfriend's complaint to testify about her description of the matter.

The New York Times

After scoring a legal victory, he has dinner with friends and provides "a blow-by-blow description of the matter with a grin on my face which went from ear to ear".

The New York Times - Books

Disclosure of the scale of the severance further challenged his initial description of the matter as a "witch hunt," as did new descriptions from the woman's friends and colleagues of her level of discomfort at work.

The New York Times

Manafort's attorneys argue the May 2017 order by Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein establishing the Mueller probe is so broad that it violates a department regulation that they contend requires a "specific factual description" of the matter to be investigated.

The Washington Post

These practices are labeled differently, and it seems difficult to find a unique description of the matter.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This spring, the government contacted the handful of Iraqi book publishers still in business and asked them to compile lists of their books, along with a description of the subject matter.

The New York Times

The letters, written in Latin, appear under the names of the women involved, with English translations and, where possible, biographical sketches of the women and some description of the subject matter or the historic context of the letter". 4: The English and Radical Reformations.

Stanford University

PRINT advertising by publishing houses tends to boast about books that are being bold and original, but that can seldom be said of the ads themselves, which generally consist of ho-hum photographs of the book and author, a brief description of the subject matter and laudatory blurbs.

The New York Times

This information is offered by ff Venture Capital as a general description of the subject matter presented, and is not intended to provide an exhaustive analysis of applicable Federal, state or local tax laws.

TechCrunch

Students were given a brief description of the subject matter and were informed that the animation did not include any identifying labels or audio and that this was deliberate.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Our emphasis will be on providing a 'thick description' of the subject matter [ 37] which emphasises 'sources of variation, nuances of difference, the elicitation of meaning and the understanding of processes, rather than the incidence and prevalence of particular circumstances and events' [ 38].

BMC Palliative Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "description of the matter" when you want to provide a neutral and objective account of a situation, avoiding subjective interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "description of the matter" without providing sufficient detail. A vague description can leave the reader confused or misinformed. Always aim for clarity and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "description of the matter" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and introduce an explanation or account of a specific issue, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "description of the matter" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English that serves to introduce an explanation or account of a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While its frequency is rare, using this phrase effectively requires clarity and specificity. Related phrases include "account of the situation" and "explanation of the issue", each offering subtle differences in meaning. Remember to avoid vagueness and tailor your descriptions to your audience for optimal understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

account of the situation

Replaces "description" with "account" and "matter" with "situation", focusing on a specific set of circumstances.

explanation of the issue

Substitutes "description" with "explanation" and "matter" with "issue", emphasizing clarification of a problem.

outline of the topic

Replaces "description" with "outline" and "matter" with "topic", suggesting a summarized presentation.

report on the subject

Replaces "description" with "report" and "matter" with "subject", implying a formal presentation of information.

overview of the circumstances

Substitutes "description" with "overview" and "matter" with "circumstances", indicating a broad summary of events.

analysis of the event

Changes "description" to "analysis" and "matter" to "event", emphasizing a detailed examination.

summary of the facts

Replaces "description" with "summary" and "matter" with "facts", highlighting a concise presentation of key information.

presentation of the details

Substitutes "description" with "presentation" and "matter" with "details", focusing on a structured sharing of information.

elucidation of the problem

Replaces "description" with "elucidation" and "matter" with "problem", suggesting clarification of a complex issue.

depiction of the affair

Replaces "description" with "depiction" and "matter" with "affair", implying a narrative or portrayal of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "description of the matter" in a sentence?

You can use "description of the matter" to introduce an explanation or account of a particular issue. For example, "The report included a detailed description of the matter to ensure clarity for all stakeholders."

What are some alternatives to "description of the matter"?

Alternatives include "account of the situation", "explanation of the issue", or "overview of the circumstances". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. For example you may use "account of the situation" when you want a recap of things that happened.

Is "description of the matter" formal or informal?

"Description of the matter" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "description of the matter" and "summary of the matter"?

A "description" provides a more detailed account, while a "summary" offers a condensed version. Choose "description of the matter" when comprehensive information is needed; opt for "summary of the matter" when brevity is key.