drop the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'drop the matter' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that you no longer wish to discuss, pursue, or take action on something. For example: "We had a disagreement, but let's just drop the matter and move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He didn't drop the matter, however.

The New Yorker

Finally, the purser said that if they didn't drop the matter the flight would be diverted.

The New Yorker

So I have decided that the wiser course is to drop the matter entirely.

The New Yorker

After two months of persistent phone calls, the council agreed to drop the matter.

The Guardian

He is trying to persuade the S.E.C. to drop the matter.

The New York Times

But today, in the light of Hain's undertaking, Larkin said he would drop the matter.

The Guardian

He warned his supervisor, he said, but his boss advised him to drop the matter and not rock the boat.

The New York Times

If Pandora's box was opened, what would the government become?" He was not about to drop the matter.

The New Yorker

Despite pressure from superiors to drop the matter, he had worked quietly with the police for months.

The New Yorker

A second trial of Mr. Buckey alone ended in a hung jury, after which prosecutors chose to drop the matter.

The New York Times

The German interior minister at the time flew to Tehran and managed to persuade Pahlavi to drop the matter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, be mindful of the context to avoid sounding dismissive or disrespectful.

Common error

Avoid using "drop the matter" in situations where a serious issue needs to be addressed, as it can come across as insensitive or as an attempt to suppress important concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop the matter" functions as a directive, advising the cessation of discussion or action regarding a particular issue. It reflects Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drop the matter" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to suggest ceasing discussion or action on a particular topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and utilized in diverse contexts, especially within news and media. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, being mindful of the potential for misinterpretation as dismissive or insensitive. Alternatives like "drop the subject" or "let it go" may be more suitable depending on the situation. Using "drop the matter" requires an awareness of its impact, ensuring it promotes resolution rather than stifling necessary dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drop the subject

This is a more direct and common alternative, focusing on ceasing conversation.

let it go

Implies acceptance and moving on, often used when something cannot be changed.

leave it alone

Suggests refraining from interfering or pursuing something further.

discontinue the discussion

A more formal way of saying to stop talking about something.

cease the investigation

Specifically refers to stopping a formal inquiry or investigation.

shelve the plan

Indicates that a plan is being put aside, either temporarily or permanently.

abandon the idea

Suggests a complete rejection of a previously considered idea.

set aside the issue

To postpone or ignore the subject for the time being.

forget about it

Informal way to tell someone not to worry or think about something.

move on

Indicates shifting focus to something new and leaving the past behind.

FAQs

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

You can use "drop the matter" to suggest ending a discussion, such as, "After realizing we couldn't agree, we decided to "drop the matter" and focus on other things."

What are some alternatives to saying "drop the matter"?

Alternatives include "drop the subject", "let it go", or "leave it alone", depending on the context.

Is "drop the matter" appropriate for formal communication?

While generally acceptable, "drop the matter" can sound somewhat informal. For formal settings, consider alternatives like "discontinue the discussion" or "cease the investigation" if appropriate.

When is it inappropriate to use "drop the matter"?

It's best to avoid using "drop the matter" when the issue is serious and requires resolution or when it might seem dismissive of someone's concerns.