is not a matter of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not a matter of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not simply about a particular issue or aspect, often to clarify a misunderstanding. Example: "Success in this field is not a matter of luck, but rather of hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is not a matter of trust.

The New York Times

Comity is not a matter of obligation.

Harvard University

It is not a matter of politics.

The New York Times

"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 of principle.

The Guardian

This is not a matter of nationality.

The Guardian - Sport

This is not a matter of interpretation.

The New York Times

This is not a matter of hindsight.

The New Yorker

It is not a matter of mass application.

Cornell University

What Custis did is not a matter of record.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not a matter of" to clearly delineate what something does not depend on, before stating what it does depend on. This clarifies misconceptions and sets the correct context for your argument.

Common error

While "is not a matter of" can add emphasis, avoid overusing it. Excessive repetition can make your writing sound overly defensive or pedantic. Choose simpler alternatives like "is not about" when appropriate to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not a matter of" functions as a negative assertion used to refute or correct a perceived misconception. It redirects focus from one aspect to another. Ludwig AI shows its use across diverse fields to emphasize a specific point by denying a potentially misleading assumption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not a matter of" is a versatile phrase used to correct misinterpretations and emphasize the true nature of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency across diverse reputable sources, particularly in news and academic contexts. This phrase serves to clarify, redirect focus, and ensure accurate understanding by explicitly stating what something isn't. While appropriate for formal settings, remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly emphatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not a question of

Replaces "matter" with "question", focusing on whether something is under consideration rather than a general issue.

is not an issue of

Substitutes "matter" with "issue", suggesting a problem or point of contention is not the primary focus.

is not about

A more direct and concise way of saying something is not related to a specific topic.

does not concern

Emphasizes that something is outside the scope of relevance or consideration.

is unrelated to

Highlights the lack of connection or relevance to a particular subject.

is not tied to

Indicates that something is not connected or dependent on something else.

is independent of

Highlights the separate and autonomous nature of something.

is beyond the scope of

Suggests that something falls outside the defined boundaries or limits of a topic.

is not determined by

Emphasizes that the cause or influence does not come from a specified factor.

is distinct from

Indicates a clear and recognizable difference between two things.

FAQs

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

Use "is not a matter of" to clarify what something doesn't depend on, before stating its true basis. For example, "Success "is not a matter of" luck, but hard work."

What's a simpler alternative to "is not a matter of"?

Alternatives include "is not about", "does not concern", or "is unrelated to", depending on the context.

When is it best to use "is not a matter of" instead of "is not about"?

"Is not a matter of" is more formal and emphatic. Use it when you want to strongly correct a misperception. "Is not about" is generally suitable for less formal contexts.

Is "it's not a matter of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it's not a matter of" is a grammatically correct contraction of "it is not a matter of". It is suitable for informal writing and speech.