if this matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if this matters" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking to someone if something is relevant or significant to them. For example: "I can answer that if this matters to you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Also, I don't know if this matters, but I write by hand in a notebook.

The New Yorker

You make out as if this matters, as you must for someone inveested academically and professionally in "this".

University of California, Berkeley

If this matters to you I'd suggest installing the default Android camera app, which Google has made available in the Play Store.

Forbes

If this matters that much to you I don't have a problem.

HuffPost

When asked about his fellow soldiers who are Muslim and if this matters in the fight against Boko Haram, he replies, "Muslim, Christian, is same, we are all soldiers, and we are determined to defeat Boko Haram.

Vice

The flick was chosen because it had a plot (as if this matters), and would be one way to compete with DVD rentals and illegal downloading (not quite sure I understand that one).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

What could Orestes do in this matter, if he did return?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Well, if this matter was -- if this were remanded JUSTICE KENNEDY.

The New York Times

If this matter had not been solved, continuing would have been a nonsense".

The Guardian - Sport

But there will be if this matter is not resolved immediately'," he said.

The Guardian - Money

So, if this matter was resolved, why did the Haggler invite readers to carpet e-mail Radio Shack?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if this matters" to politely inquire about the relevance of a detail or piece of information before elaborating further. This shows consideration for your audience's time and focus.

Common error

Avoid using "if this matters" excessively in formal writing. While polite, it can sometimes sound uncertain. Opt for more direct statements of relevance or importance in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if this matters" functions as a conditional clause introducing a statement whose relevance is contingent on its significance to the listener or reader. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if this matters" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to politely inquire about the relevance of a detail or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms this. While found across various contexts, it is more common in news, wiki and academic settings but less suited for highly formal or scientific writing, where directness is preferred. Related phrases include "if this is important" and "if this is relevant". When using this phrase, consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication to ensure it aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if this is important

Replaces "matters" with a more direct synonym, "important".

if this is relevant

Substitutes "matters" with "relevant", focusing on the pertinence of the information.

if this holds significance

Replaces "matters" with a more formal expression, "holds significance".

if this carries weight

Uses the idiom "carries weight" instead of "matters", implying importance.

if this has consequence

Focuses on the potential outcome or impact, using "has consequence" instead of "matters".

if this is of concern

Highlights the element of worry or interest connected to the topic.

if this is of value

Highlights the utility and potential benefits associated to the topic.

assuming this is crucial

Uses the word "crucial" which means something of high importance.

provided this is pertinent

Uses the word "pertinent" which means relative to a specific matter.

in the event this is meaningful

Highlights that the topic is relevant because it makes sense or it's logical.

FAQs

How can I use "if this matters" in a sentence?

You can use "if this matters" to introduce a detail and check its relevance to the listener or reader. For example, "I can provide more data, "if this matters" to your decision-making process".

What's a more formal alternative to "if this matters"?

In a formal context, you might prefer phrases like "if this is relevant", "if this is pertinent", or "if this bears significance". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it appropriate to use "if this matters" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "if this matters" may sound too informal for academic writing. Consider using phrases like "of relevance to", "significant to", or directly stating the importance of the information instead.

What's the difference between "if this matters" and "if this is important"?

"If this matters" implies a question of relevance or significance to a specific person or situation, while "if this is important" suggests a more general assessment of the information's inherent value or weight. The choice depends on whether you're asking about personal relevance or overall importance.