matter of

USAGE SUMMARY

In written English the phrase "matter of" is correct and usable.
You can use it to refer to an issue or subject of discussion or importance that someone must decide upon or take action on. For example: "The matter of health insurance coverage for employees is a pressing issue for the company to address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

A matter of days.

Independent

A matter of signals.

The New Yorker

Matter of taste.

The New Yorker

"It's a matter of ideology".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's so matter of fact.

The New Yorker

It's a matter of judgment.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is matter-of-fact.

The Economist

It was matter-of-fact.

The New York Times

Tebow was more matter-of-fact.

The New York Times - Sports

Woods explains matter-of-factly.

Science Magazine

Be matter-of-fact about the tradition.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspect or element is being emphasized. For instance, use "matter of opinion" to highlight subjectivity or "matter of fact" to emphasize objectivity.

Common error

Avoid using "matter of" excessively in formal contexts where more precise or sophisticated language might be appropriate. Instead, opt for alternatives like "issue", "subject", or "question" to enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to introduce a specific aspect, issue, or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase that can modify nouns or verbs, adding detail or context. Examples include "matter of opinion", "matter of time", and "matter of fact".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter of" is a versatile phrase used to specify the nature or type of something under discussion. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to use it judiciously, especially in formal writing, where more precise alternatives may be more appropriate. By understanding its function and considering context, you can effectively use "matter of" to enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

question of

Focuses on the aspect of uncertainty or debate surrounding the subject.

issue of

Emphasizes the problematic or contentious nature of the subject.

subject of

Highlights that the topic is under consideration or discussion.

concern of

Indicates that the subject is a cause for worry or attention.

point of

Draws attention to a specific detail or aspect of the subject.

case of

Implies a specific instance or situation related to the subject.

depends on

Highlights that the subject is conditional or contingent on something else.

hinges on

Stresses that the outcome or resolution relies heavily on the subject.

depends upon

Highlights that the subject is conditional or contingent on something else, more formal.

revolves around

Highlights that the subject is central or the main focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "matter of" to refer to an issue or subject of discussion or importance, as in "It's a "matter of opinion"" or "It's a "matter of time" before he arrives".

What's the difference between "matter of fact" and "matter of opinion"?

"Matter of fact" refers to something that is based on objective reality and can be proven, while ""matter of opinion"" is subjective and based on personal feelings or beliefs.

What can I say instead of "matter of concern"?

Alternatives to "matter of concern" include "cause for concern", "area of concern", or simply "concern", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it's a matter of when"?

Yes, "it's a "matter of when"" is a correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something is certain to happen, but the timing is uncertain.