matter of conjecture

USAGE SUMMARY

"matter of conjecture" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is generally used to refer to something that is open to speculation or guesswork. For instance, "The true intentions of the former leader remain a matter of conjecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His future is a matter of conjecture.

The New York Times

This is a matter of conjecture.

The Guardian - Music

But this is a matter of conjecture.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Whether that is a record is a matter of conjecture.

The New York Times

How far computers will go is a matter of conjecture.

The Guardian

Whether that matters to Major is a matter of conjecture.

Independent

This is less a matter of conjecture than of statistics.

The Washington Post

How far it has spread is for now a matter of conjecture.

The Guardian

What happened to London over the next two centuries is a matter of conjecture.

Britannica

Why Lievens did not become something more than a skilled journeyman is a matter of conjecture.

The New York Times - Arts

She did, however, have money, although how much is a matter of conjecture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matter of conjecture" when you want to emphasize that a situation or outcome is uncertain and based on speculation rather than concrete evidence.

Common error

While "matter of conjecture" is appropriate in many formal settings, avoid overusing it, especially when more precise terms like "hypothesis", "speculation", or "uncertainty" might better convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of conjecture" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as being uncertain or speculative. Ludwig AI confirms its wide use across various contexts, indicating its role in framing discussions about unknowns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter of conjecture" is a common phrase used to denote that a topic is open to speculation and lacks definitive evidence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, but also sees significant use in academic and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, be aware of its formal tone and consider alternative expressions like "subject to speculation" or "open to speculation" to provide variety in your writing. Avoid overusing "matter of conjecture" in formal writing to ensure clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to speculation

Focuses on the act of speculation rather than the topic itself.

open to speculation

Highlights that the issue is not settled and invites different interpretations.

a point of speculation

Emphasizes a specific aspect being speculated about.

subject to guesswork

Implies a less formal or precise method of forming an opinion.

open to guesswork

Similar to "subject to guesswork" but emphasizes accessibility of the topic to guessing.

a point of guesswork

Highlights a specific aspect being guessed about.

largely unknown

Focuses on the lack of information rather than the act of speculation.

uncertain

States a general lack of certainty about something.

unclear

Highlights the lack of clarity or transparency.

debatable

Suggests that something is subject to argument or discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "matter of conjecture" to indicate that something is based on speculation or guesswork. For example, "The real reason for his resignation remains a "matter of conjecture"."

What's a more formal way to express "matter of conjecture"?

More formal alternatives include "subject to speculation", "a point of uncertainty", or "hypothetical situation". These alternatives may be more suitable in academic or professional writing.

What words are similar to "matter of conjecture"?

Synonyms and related phrases include "subject to speculation", "open to speculation", and "a point of guesswork".

Is it appropriate to use "matter of conjecture" in scientific writing?

Yes, but ensure that you clearly distinguish between conjecture and evidence-based conclusions. Using it to frame a hypothesis before presenting data is acceptable.