in a matter of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a matter of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something will happen soon, or in a relatively short time span. For example, "We'll get to the bottom of this mystery in a matter of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And when Kane, who, Pochettino says will be selected for the England senior squad in "a matter of time", netted his 12th goal of the season, there was little prospect of a Newcastle comeback.

BBC

In a matter of time, I will sleep with Gucci Mane's "Lemonade" watching over me like a soothing guardian angel. .

Vice

It's not so bad in cows, but it can make them cull themselves in a matter of time.

WikiHow

It might hurt your feelings, but you WILL find another person that you like in a matter of time.

WikiHow

Instead of saying "GO TO HELL," say "YOU KNOW WHAT, JUMP INTO THESE NUTS!" LOVE YOUR NEW ACCENT and don't stop talking in your new accent because accents do disappear in a matter of time if not practiced!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

What exists in the invisible will become visible in just a matter of time.

Huffington Post

Vincente Minnelli's experience in making "A Matter of Time" converges with the agonies of aging that the film itself depicts.

The New Yorker

A government or financial institution would be likely to declare bankruptcy in only a matter of time.

Huffington Post

As the election results slowly sink in, it's only a matter of time before the anixiety turns into action.

Vice

In many networks, whether a link exists or may exist in future is a matter of time and resource consuming experiments.

Computational Social Networks

A goal for the men in white looks a matter of time.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a matter of time" to express confidence about a future event, suggesting it is almost certain to happen. For example, "The technology will improve rapidly in a matter of time".

Common error

While "in a matter of time" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise expressions like "soon" or "in the near future" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a matter of time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an event is expected to occur. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a matter of time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating that an event will occur relatively soon. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While its register is generally neutral, it's best to reserve it for less formal contexts. Alternative phrases such as "shortly" or "before long" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Use it confidently to express assurance about future events, but consider the formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's only a question of time

Highlights that the occurrence is inevitable.

before long

Indicates that something will happen soon, emphasizing anticipation.

shortly

Refers to something happening soon but is more concise.

it won't be long

A more conversational way of saying something will happen soon.

in the near future

A more formal way to say something will happen soon.

in due course

Suggests something will happen at the appropriate time.

by and by

An older, slightly less common expression for soon.

coming soon

Emphasizes imminence, often used in advertising.

presently

Means soon, but can also mean "at the present time".

in the fullness of time

Suggests an event will happen when the conditions are right.

FAQs

How can I use "in a matter of time" in a sentence?

You can use "in a matter of time" to indicate that something will happen relatively soon or is almost certain to occur. For example, "They will resolve their differences "in a matter of time"".

What phrases are similar to "in a matter of time"?

Similar phrases include "shortly", "before long", or "in the near future". Each conveys a sense of imminence.

Is "in a matter of time" formal or informal?

"In a matter of time" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts, but it might be less appropriate for highly formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred.

What does "in a matter of time" actually mean?

It means that something is expected to happen relatively soon, or that the occurrence of something is almost guaranteed. It highlights the inevitability of an event.