is not a matter

USAGE SUMMARY

'is not a matter' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is not important. For example: Whether I wear a dress or a skirt to the party is not a matter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is not a matter of trust.

The New York Times

"Extradition is not a matter for negotiation.

The Economist

— This is not a matter of sorry.

The New Yorker

It is not a matter of politics.

The New York Times

It is not a matter for him.

The Guardian

"It is not a matter of aesthetics".

The Guardian

Violence is not a matter of degree.

The New York Times

This is not a matter for "irritation".

The New York Times

This is not a matter of nationality.

The Guardian - Sport

This is not a matter for him.

The Guardian

This is not a matter of interpretation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not a matter", follow it with a concise explanation of what the actual issue is to provide clarity and direction in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is not a matter" without clarifying what the relevant matter actually is. This can leave your audience confused and unsure of your intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not a matter" serves as a negation of relevance or importance. It's used to redirect focus from one aspect to another, emphasizing that a particular element is not the primary concern. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase effectively highlights what isn't crucial in a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not a matter" is a versatile and frequently used expression to de-emphasize or dismiss a specific aspect, directing attention to what is considered more relevant or important. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also used in Science and Encyclopedias, its usage spans various contexts while maintaining a neutral register. To use it effectively, provide context about what is the relevant issue to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as "is beside the point" or "is irrelevant" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is beside the point

This phrase indicates that something is irrelevant to the discussion.

is not relevant

This indicates that something is not connected or pertinent to the subject at hand.

is beyond the scope

This alternative emphasizes that something is outside the limits of what is being discussed or considered.

is neither here nor there

This phrase means something is irrelevant or unimportant in the context of the discussion.

is not significant

This alternative suggests that something lacks importance or notable effect.

is not the question

This highlights that something else is the real issue or point of concern.

is inconsequential

This emphasizes that something is trivial or unimportant.

is of no consequence

This alternative suggests that something has no importance or significance.

is immaterial

This indicates that something is not pertinent or relevant to the matter being considered.

is out of the question

This suggests that something is not a possibility or is completely unacceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "is not a matter" in a sentence?

You can use "is not a matter" to emphasize that something is not important or relevant in a particular situation. For example, "The cost "is not a matter"; the quality is what we should focus on."

What can I say instead of "is not a matter"?

You can use alternatives like "is beside the point", "is irrelevant", or "is not the question" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "is not a matter of" and "is not a question of"?

"Is not a matter of" suggests something is not important or relevant, while "is not a question of" suggests something is already decided or not under consideration. They both serve to dismiss a certain element but in different ways.

Is "is not a matter about" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "is not a matter about" is less common and slightly less formal than "is not a matter of". It's generally better to use "is not a matter of" for clearer and more precise communication.