looking into the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking into the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are investigating or examining a specific issue or situation. Example: "We are currently looking into the matter to determine the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ofcom is looking into the matter.

The Economist

Several agencies were looking into the matter.

The New York Times

Sotheby's said it was looking into the matter.

The New York Times - Arts

But Congressional aides looking into the matter are not convinced.

The New York Times

Japanese regulators are now looking into the matter as well.

The New York Times

A special prosecutor is looking into the matter.

The New York Times

Now, the FBI is looking into the matter.

The Economist

Kane's agent told ESPN he is looking into the matter.

The Guardian - Sport

A House committee is also looking into the matter.

The New York Times

The EPA is now looking into the matter, though there is nothing much it can do.

The Economist

The New York State Health Department is looking into the matter, she writes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking into the matter", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is conducting the investigation and what the scope of the investigation entails. Providing specifics adds clarity and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "looking into the matter" as a placeholder when you lack specific details about an investigation. If possible, specify the agency or team involved and the anticipated timeline for resolution to avoid sounding dismissive or uninformed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking into the matter" functions as a declarative statement indicating an ongoing process of investigation or review. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is frequently employed in various contexts to convey that someone is taking action to understand a particular situation or problem.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking into the matter" is a common and generally neutral expression used to indicate that an investigation or review is underway. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and formal business settings. While alternatives such as "investigating the situation" or "examining the issue" may be more appropriate for highly formal contexts, "looking into the matter" provides a balanced tone suitable for a wide range of communications. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide specifics about the investigation to enhance clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigating the situation

Replaces "looking" with a more formal "investigating" and "matter" with "situation", implying a structured inquiry.

examining the issue

Substitutes "looking" with "examining" and "matter" with "issue", suggesting a detailed inspection.

probing the circumstances

Employs "probing" to convey a deeper, more thorough investigation, and replaces "matter" with the broader "circumstances".

reviewing the details

Focuses on the act of reviewing specific details, implying a careful assessment of facts.

assessing the facts

Highlights the evaluation of factual information related to the matter.

exploring the situation

Uses "exploring" to suggest an open-ended investigation without predefined conclusions.

delving into the problem

Implies a deep and thorough investigation of a specific problem.

scrutinizing the case

Indicates a critical and detailed examination of a particular case.

inquiring about the affair

Replaces the neutral term "matter" with "affair", potentially implying a more sensitive or scandalous situation, and uses "inquiring" suggesting formal questions.

checking into the problem

Uses the phrasal verb "checking into" which suggests a preliminary investigation to identify the facts of the problem.

FAQs

What does "looking into the matter" mean?

The phrase "looking into the matter" signifies that someone is investigating, examining, or reviewing a particular situation, issue, or problem. It implies a process of gathering information and assessing the relevant facts.

How can I use "looking into the matter" in a sentence?

You can use "looking into the matter" when you want to convey that an investigation or review is underway. For example: "The authorities are "investigating the situation"", or "Our team is "examining the issue" to determine the cause".

What are some alternatives to "looking into the matter"?

Alternatives include "investigating the situation", "examining the issue", "probing the circumstances", "reviewing the details", or "assessing the facts". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "looking into the matter" formal or informal?

The phrase "looking into the matter" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal or academic settings, more precise terms such as "investigating" or "examining" may be preferable.