matter in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'matter in question' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular point or issue that is the focus of discussion or debate. For example: "The matter in question remains unclear, and further research must be done before a conclusion can be reached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The matter in question consists of particles that are formed from different vibrations of "strings".

The Economist

Everyday crystals, such as diamond or ice, are periodic arrangements of atoms and usually exist when the matter in question is in its lowest energy state.

The Guardian

One holds that the original matter in question is the speech of the common people, unadorned by grammar, and that prākṛta thus refers to vernacular usage in contrast to the elevated register of Sanskrit usage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He argued that any theory of a social phenomenon, including law, must identify its "central" cases, since the goal of any theory is to describe the central or important features of the subject matter in question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"For more than two years, News International has accepted I was not responsible for the matter in question and there is no valid or reliable evidence now to support their sudden volte face.

Independent

Indeed, if the nominees did answer the senators' questions, future litigants might face a court with some members who had promised, under oath, to vote a certain way on the matter in question.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Corporate governance at the IMF is clearly out of control and Christine Lagarde would have been obliged to resign at any normal plc or institution until the matters in question were resolved.

The Guardian - Business

We saw above that for the subject-matter in question the error-theorist agrees with the realist that the truth of the atomic, declarative sentences of that area requires the existence of the relevant type of objects, or the instantiation of the relevant sorts of properties.

SEP

But the fact that he didn't might reflect his own ambivalence about the matters in question.

SEP

As we have seen, this is one of the matters in question; and §§260 and 261 show that Wittgenstein was not prepared to let an argument in favour of private language proceed from this assumption.

SEP

With that, as the journalist asked him what assets the company held, he got up and walked out of the interview, while continuing to claim he was "unacquainted" with the matters in question and criticizing the reporter for springing the questions on him.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matter in question" to clearly identify the specific subject being discussed or debated, ensuring there is no ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "matter in question" excessively in a single piece of writing. Employ synonyms like "issue at hand" or "subject under discussion" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter in question" functions as a noun phrase used to specify a particular subject, issue, or topic under consideration. It helps to focus the discussion or analysis on a specific point. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "matter in question" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a specific subject under discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a phrase that functions primarily to clarify and specify the topic at hand, frequently appearing in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. While it's acceptable and widely understood, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "subject in question" or "issue at hand" to maintain writing quality and engagement. Remember that clarity and precision are key when employing this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject in question

Replaces "matter" with "subject", focusing on the topic being discussed.

issue at hand

Replaces "matter in question" with a more concise phrase emphasizing the current problem or topic.

topic under discussion

Replaces "matter in question" with a phrase highlighting the ongoing conversation or debate.

point at issue

Replaces "matter" with "point" and uses "at issue" to denote disagreement or debate.

subject under consideration

Replaces "matter" with "subject" and emphasizes a formal review or evaluation.

topic being addressed

Replaces "matter in question" focusing on the problem that is being handled.

area of concern

Changes the focus to highlight the problematic or worrying aspect of the matter.

case in point

Uses "case" to refer to a specific instance or example relevant to the discussion.

problem in focus

Replaces "matter" with "problem", highlighting a specific issue that is the center of attention.

item on the agenda

Changes the context to a formal setting, referring to a specific item to be discussed in a meeting.

FAQs

How can I use "matter in question" in a sentence?

The phrase "matter in question" is used to refer to a specific issue or topic being discussed. For example, "The evidence relating to the "matter in question" is still under review".

What are some alternatives to "matter in question"?

You can use alternatives like "subject in question", "issue at hand", or "topic under discussion" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "matter in question" or "subject in question"?

Both "matter in question" and "subject in question" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey, with "matter" often implying a more concrete issue or concern.

In what contexts is "matter in question" most commonly used?

The phrase "matter in question" is frequently used in formal writing, legal documents, news reports, and academic discussions to refer to a specific subject or issue. It is also used in less formal contexts to specify clearly the topic that's being talked about.