matter of course

USAGE SUMMARY

"matter of course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used in the sense of something that is expected and normal, or taken for granted. For example, "It is a matter of course that all students must complete their assignments on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It didn't matter, of course.

The New Yorker

Pay does matter, of course.

Harvard Business Review

None of which should matter, of course.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It will be a matter of course.

The New York Times

It was all a matter of course.

The Guardian - Music

The review may still matter, of course.

The Guardian - Business

Univision now covers Cuba as a matter of course.

The New Yorker

But most took it as a matter of course.

The New York Times

Bad genes and bad luck matter, of course.

The New York Times

Both matter, of course, but neither provides a complete explanation.

The Economist

Leaks are used by journalists as a matter of course.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matter of course" to convey that something is not surprising or exceptional. It implies a lack of special attention or consideration, suggesting that the action or event is a standard and accepted part of a process or situation.

Common error

While "matter of course" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Excessive repetition can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences to express the same idea in different ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of course" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an adverbial phrase to describe how something is done or perceived. Ludwig's examples show it indicating that an action or event is routine or expected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "matter of course" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is expected or routine. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "as expected" or "standard procedure" to maintain writing variety. As the examples show, this phrase effectively communicates that an action or event is not exceptional but rather a normal part of a process or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

par for the course

Emphasizes that something is typical or expected, especially in a negative situation.

as expected

Directly states that something happened in the way it was predicted or anticipated.

customary practice

Highlights that something is a usual and established way of doing things.

standard procedure

Indicates that something is part of a set of established steps or protocols.

business as usual

Suggests that despite any disturbances, operations continue in a normal fashion.

routine occurrence

Implies that something happens regularly and without surprise.

commonplace event

Emphasizes that something is ordinary and not unusual.

the norm

Indicates that something is the typical or standard state.

a given

Highlights that something is accepted as a certainty and doesn't require proof.

predictable outcome

Focuses on the ability to foresee the result or consequence of something.

FAQs

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

Use "matter of course" to indicate that something is expected or happens routinely. For instance, "Background checks are a "standard procedure" and conducted as a matter of course."

What are some alternatives to "matter of course"?

Alternatives include "as expected", "par for the course", or "business as usual", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a matter of course" or "matter of course"?

Both are generally correct, but "a matter of course" is typically used when referring to a specific instance or action, whereas "matter of course" can be used more generally.

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

"Matter of course" refers to something that is expected or routine, while "matter of fact" refers to something that is undeniably true and objective. For example, stating "The sun rises in the east" is a "matter of fact", whereas saying that daily meetings are held is a matter of course in some companies.