it matters not

USAGE SUMMARY

"it matters not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can typically use this phrase to emphasize that something will not change the outcome of a situation. For example, "It matters not how hard I tried, I still failed the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It matters not whether the team lost its coach or its quarterback.

The New York Times - Sports

It matters not.

The New Yorker

Anyway, it matters not.

The Guardian - Film

Because surely it matters not one bit how people read.

Independent

She changed Britain (it matters not, apparently, whether it was for good or bad).

Independent

Some dishes are barely recognisable as Catalan or Spanish after their reinterpretation, but it matters not.

Independent

Once borders come into focus, it matters not if Israel builds within them.

The New York Times

It matters not a bit if Penn State never wins another football game.

The New York Times

"It matters not only because the public may have an inherent skepticism.

The New York Times

"It matters not how strait the gate/How charged with punishments the scroll," Mr. Obama read.

The New York Times

"It matters not what you think," Hitchens concludes, "but how you think".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it matters not", ensure the context is clear. The reader should easily understand what is being deemed unimportant and why. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context.

Common error

While "it matters not" is grammatically sound, overuse in casual conversation can sound stilted or pretentious. Choose more natural alternatives like "it doesn't matter" or "it's not important" when speaking or writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it matters not" functions primarily as an impersonal expression of indifference or irrelevance. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct. It often introduces a clause that is being dismissed as unimportant to the main point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it matters not" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express that something is inconsequential or irrelevant. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard English grammar and is usable in various written contexts. While versatile, it leans toward a more formal register. As Ludwig's examples show, this phrase appears most commonly in news and media but also finds use in scientific and business writing, making it suitable for persuasive and assertive contexts where downplaying certain details is necessary. For more casual settings, alternatives like "it doesn't matter" are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is of no consequence

Emphasizes the lack of importance or impact of something.

it's irrelevant

Directly states that something is not relevant to the current situation.

it makes no difference

Highlights that a particular factor does not alter the outcome.

it's immaterial

Suggests that something is not important or significant.

it is beside the point

Indicates that something is not relevant to the main issue being discussed.

that's not important

Simple and direct way of stating that something lacks significance.

it's not significant

Emphasizes the lack of importance or notable effect of something.

it carries no weight

Suggests that something has no influence or impact.

the point is moot

Indicates that a topic is not worth discussing because it has no practical consequence.

it has no bearing

Implies that something has no relevance or connection to the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it matters not" in a sentence?

Use "it matters not" to express that something is of no consequence or does not affect the outcome. For example, "It matters not what they say; we will proceed with our plan."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "it matters not"?

Similar phrases include "it is of no consequence", "it makes no difference", and "it's irrelevant". These alternatives also convey a lack of importance or impact.

Is "it matters not" formal or informal?

"It matters not" is generally considered more formal. In casual conversation, phrases like "it doesn't matter" or "it's not important" might be more appropriate.

What is the origin of the phrase "it matters not"?

The phrase "it matters not" is an older, more literary construction. Its roots lie in traditional English usage, often found in classic literature and formal speeches to convey indifference or a lack of concern.