great matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'great matter' is grammatically correct in written English but it is an outdated and formal expression. It is generally used to emphasize the importance of something or to indicate that something is a serious issue. For example: This is a great matter that requires our immediate attention.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"It is a great matter of concern.

The New York Times

The "King's Great Matter", The Englishing of England.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

From 1527 Henry pursued what became known as "the King's great matter": his divorce from Catherine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then in the next sentence he concludes, "It is no great matter".

The New York Times

Six hours and a single sword swipe, and the king's Great Matter is finally resolved.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The prelude to the "Great Matter" – English independence – is the bill.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

That is great subject matter for making a film".

BBC

It's a great subject matter.

Huffington Post

This can make great subject matter for those icebreaker conversations.

WikiHow

They're not, I should say, about great matters – just life as it happens, really".

The Guardian - Books

We have developed an envy for anyone who can feel at home with great matters...and answer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "great matter" is grammatically correct, consider your audience and the context. In modern writing, less formal alternatives like "important issue" or "significant concern" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "great matter" in casual or informal contexts. Its formal tone can sound stilted or unnatural in everyday conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates something of substantial importance or concern. Ludwig AI shows examples ranging from historical events to current worries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "great matter" is a grammatically sound but somewhat formal expression used to denote something of significant importance or concern. While acceptable, it may sound dated in modern contexts, with alternatives like "important issue" or "significant concern" often being more suitable. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it appears across various sources, particularly in news and historical discussions. While grammatically correct, the choice to use "great matter" should align with the desired tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

important issue

Replaces the more formal "matter" with the common "issue", making it slightly less old-fashioned.

significant concern

Emphasizes the worrying aspect of the matter, focusing on its impact.

major problem

Highlights the problematic nature of the matter, suggesting a need for resolution.

serious issue

Similar to "important issue" but conveys a stronger sense of gravity.

critical point

Focuses on the decisiveness and importance of the matter at hand.

matter of importance

Reorders the words for a slightly different emphasis, yet maintains the formal tone.

significant affair

Substitutes "matter" with "affair", which can sometimes carry a connotation of complexity or secrecy.

grave concern

Highlights the seriousness of the matter, implying potential negative consequences.

vital question

Frames the matter as a question that needs answering, underlining its urgency.

essential element

Highlights that it is an indispensable component.

FAQs

How can I use "great matter" in a sentence?

You can use "great matter" to describe something of significant importance or concern, such as, "The King's divorce was a "great matter" that shook the kingdom".

What are some alternatives to "great matter"?

Alternatives to "great matter" include phrases like "important issue", "serious concern", or "significant problem". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "great matter" a common phrase in modern English?

"Great matter" is not as commonly used in modern English as it was in the past. It tends to appear in historical contexts or in more formal writing.

What is the origin of the phrase "great matter"?

The phrase "great matter" has been used historically to refer to significant events or issues, particularly in political or royal contexts, such as "the King's "great matter"" referring to Henry VIII's divorce.