discussed the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"discussed the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to two or more people talking about something. For example: "The executives discussed the matter for several hours before coming to a conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They discussed the matter all summer.

The New Yorker

He said he had discussed the matter with Mr. Diller.

The New York Times

The cabinet discussed the matter beforehand, he said.

The New York Times

But the two men have not discussed the matter recently.

The New York Times

We discussed the matter extensively within the paper.

The New York Times

The Afghan National Security Council discussed the matter on Sunday.

The New York Times

Erik Spoelstra said he had discussed the matter with Andersen.

The New York Times - Sports

Dr. Biden said that after the two offers came in, they discussed the matter.

The New York Times

This is the first time Abdellatif has discussed the matter in public.

The Guardian

But Randolph said he and Reyes had not yet discussed the matter.

The New York Times

Murphy discussed the matter with Dale Ingram, and the pair had their first disagreement.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "discussed the matter" to indicate a formal or serious conversation about a specific topic. It is suitable for professional and academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "discussed the matter" in casual conversations. Alternatives like "talked about it" or "chatted about it" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discussed the matter" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as the predicate of a clause. Ludwig examples show it denotes the act of conversing about a particular issue or topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discussed the matter" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate that a conversation has occurred regarding a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's most common in News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While generally appropriate, be mindful of overusing it in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more suitable. Related phrases offer ways to express the idea with varying degrees of formality and emphasis. Remember to choose the phrasing that best fits your intended audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

addressed the issue

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes dealing with a problem or concern.

considered the subject

This alternative suggests a more thoughtful and deliberate examination of the topic.

talked about it

This is a more informal and general way to say they had a conversation about something.

conversed on the topic

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the exchange of ideas.

deliberated on the point

This alternative emphasizes a formal and careful consideration, often in a group setting.

exchanged views on it

This alternative highlights the sharing of different opinions or perspectives.

hashed it over

This alternative is informal and suggests a thorough and possibly lengthy discussion.

thrashed out the details

This alternative implies a vigorous discussion aimed at resolving specific points.

went over the details

This alternative suggests a review of specific details.

chewed the fat about it

This is a very informal alternative, suggesting a casual and relaxed conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "discussed the matter" to describe a conversation where a specific issue or topic was talked about, as in "The board members "discussed the matter" at length during the meeting".

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

You can use alternatives like "addressed the issue", "considered the subject", or "talked about it" depending on the context.

Is "discussed the matter" formal or informal?

"Discussed the matter" is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic settings. In casual conversations, simpler alternatives like "talked about it" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "discussed the matter" and "talked about the matter"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "discussed the matter" implies a more deliberate and serious conversation compared to "talked about the matter", which is more general and informal.