light of the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light of the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used in reference to the most important aspect of a particular issue or situation. For example, "The light of the matter is that the company's decision to restructure will ultimately be beneficial for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

As for the dog ads, he made light of the matter.

The New York Times - Arts

And now, the newly svelte Ms. Voigt is, um, making light of the matter.

The New York Times

It was the most extensive and most sober explanation that Arenas had offered after spending the weekend making light of the matter on his Twitter feed.

The New York Times - Sports

Although Reagan originally made light of the matter, it blew up after Laurence Barrett's book, "Gambling with History," mentioned that a Reagan mole in the Carter camp had filched the notebook.

The New Yorker

N.B.A. Commissioner David Stern already weighed in on the matter, indefinitely suspending Arenas last week, largely because Arenas had been so brazen in making light of the matter after it became publicly known.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Quinn later e-mailed a comment, through a spokeswoman, making light of the matter: "The mayor and I have a productive, collegial and fun working relationship," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Hopkins flies the flag (for America) VisitBritain, look away now: ex-patriate knight of the realm Sir Anthony Hopkins, currently doing the promotional rounds for his new film, The Wolfman, has, after almost a decade spent as an American citizen, shed light on the matter of his self-imposed exile.

Independent

The covers weren't identical — on one, you see only the tail of the plane — but they were so similar that it was hard to imagine, especially in light of the subject matter, that one hadn't inspired the other.

The New Yorker

Information bias, just like colliding bias, should be examined in light of the subject matter of a study.

Clinical Epidemiology

(Exhaustive research shed a little light on the matter: one of them seems to be named Nicole).

The New York Times

In this Matters Arising Response, we discuss the chimera results and consider potential interpretations in light of the Matters Arising from Dubin et al.

Neuron

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "light of the matter" when you want to draw attention to the most critical or revealing aspect of a situation, especially after considering various details or complexities.

Common error

Avoid using "light of the matter" in very informal or casual conversations. It's better suited for more formal writing or discussions where a deeper understanding or revelation is being presented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light of the matter" functions as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a clause that reveals the key or most important aspect of a situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to highlight a crucial point.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "light of the matter" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase, although Ludwig AI indicates it has uncommon frequency. It serves to highlight the most crucial aspect of a situation, providing clarity and insight, and is primarily used in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. As Ludwig's examples show, the phrase is more appropriate for formal or neutral settings and should be used judiciously in casual conversations. Alternatives such as "essential aspect" or "key consideration" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential aspect

Focuses on the most important part of something, simplifying the original phrase.

key consideration

Highlights a crucial point that needs to be taken into account.

central issue

Directly points to the main problem or subject under discussion.

core element

Emphasizes the fundamental part that everything else depends on.

crux of the problem

Specifically refers to the most difficult or decisive point of an issue.

heart of the matter

A more figurative way of saying the most important part.

gist of the situation

Focuses on understanding the general meaning.

principal concern

Highlights the main worry or focus of attention.

significant point

Draws attention to something important or noteworthy.

fundamental aspect

Similar to "essential aspect" but emphasizes the foundational nature.

FAQs

How can I use "light of the matter" in a sentence?

You can use "light of the matter" to introduce the most important or revealing aspect of a situation. For example, "In "light of the matter", the company decided to restructure."

What is a synonym for "light of the matter"?

Alternatives include "essential aspect", "key consideration", or "central issue". All point to the most important part of something.

When is it appropriate to use "light of the matter"?

Use "light of the matter" when introducing a crucial point or understanding after considering multiple details or complexities. It is appropriate for formal contexts.

Is "light of the matter" formal or informal?

"Light of the matter" is generally considered more formal and is better suited for professional writing or discussions.