how to handle the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how to handle the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation that requires attention or resolution, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "We need to discuss how to handle the matter of the budget cuts in our upcoming meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Paterno, who was never charged in the case, said that he was unsure how to handle the matter.

The New York Times - Sports

Two Western officials in Beijing said there was no unity yet among Chinese officials on how to handle the matter.

The New York Times

Paterno was not charged in connection with the case and has said that he was unsure how to handle the matter.

The New York Times - Sports

The land trust has formed a subcommittee to decide how to handle the matter and expects to issue a decision by Christmas.

The New York Times

Soon after Mr. Goldsmith informed City Hall of the arrest, aides to the mayor engaged in a spirited debate over how to handle the matter, according to people told of the talks.

The New York Times

The decision on how to handle the matter could have significant consequences on the company's fate: a delisting would let the holders of bonds convertible to stock force Adelphia to buy back $1.4 billion in debt for cash.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The challenge for the magazine's art department was how to handle the subject matter without sensationalizing it or being too graphic.

The New York Times

Bruce R. Lindsey, the President's closest friend and the deputy White House counsel, 10 days ago also challenged prosecutors' questions about his discussions with Mr. Clinton on how to handle the Lewinsky matter.

The New York Times

As the EU capital, Brussels is supposed to be the place where decisions are made for such important matters as how to handle the flow of refugees from the Middle East.

Forbes

"We are very seriously discussing how to handle this matter.

The Guardian

As a Merrill spokesman put it, "There was never one iota of disagreement between Mr. Komansky and Mr. O'Neal as to how to handle this matter".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "how to handle the matter" provides a professional tone, suitable for reports, emails, and official communications. Alternatives may be more appropriate for informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "how to handle the matter" can sound overly formal in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "how to deal with it" or "what to do" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how to handle the matter" functions as an interrogative clause introducing an indirect question, or as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how to handle the matter" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to discuss strategies for addressing specific issues. Ludwig AI marks it as correct and usable in written English. While suitable for various contexts, it is particularly common in news, science, and formal business communications. Its formal tone makes it less frequent in informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to clearly and professionally introduce discussions about problem-solving and decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how to address the issue

Focuses on directly confronting and resolving the problem.

how to manage the situation

Emphasizes control and oversight in dealing with the circumstances.

how to deal with the problem

Suggests a practical, hands-on approach to resolving difficulties.

how to resolve the situation

Highlights the aim of reaching a conclusion or settlement.

what's the best course of action

Inquires about the most effective strategy or plan to follow.

how to proceed with this

Asks for guidance on the next steps to take.

how to navigate this situation

Focuses on maneuvering through a complex or challenging scenario.

what's the proper way to handle this

Seeks advice on the correct or appropriate method.

how to approach this matter

Suggests a deliberate and thoughtful way of starting to deal with something.

what steps should be taken

Inquires about the specific actions that need to be implemented.

FAQs

How can I use "how to handle the matter" in a sentence?

You can use "how to handle the matter" to inquire about or describe the best approach to a particular issue. For example, "The board will discuss how to handle the matter of the budget shortfall."

What are some alternatives to "how to handle the matter"?

Alternatives include "how to address the issue", "how to manage the situation", or "how to deal with the problem", depending on the specific context.

Is "how to handle the matter" formal or informal?

"How to handle the matter" leans towards formal usage, suitable for professional or official communication. Simpler phrases may be preferable in informal settings.

What's the difference between "how to handle the matter" and "what to do"?

"How to handle the matter" implies a more formal and structured approach to a problem, while "what to do" is more general and can be used in a wider range of informal situations.