matter of discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"matter of discussion" is a commonly used phrase in written English that is used to refer to a topic or issue that is being discussed or debated.
For example, "The cost of childcare is a hot matter of discussion in the government right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What that is is a matter of discussion".

The New York Times

"That is a matter of discussion," he said.

The New York Times

The choice of criteria shall be matter of discussion.

Toxicology in Vitro

However, mesh fixation remains a matter of discussion.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

It is still a matter of discussion what influences of inorganic components on block copolymer structures.

Polymer

Under these conditions the effect exerted by In is still a matter of discussion.

Electrochimica Acta

But, unlike Lee's film, "War Room" doesn't feature race as a matter of discussion.

The New Yorker

Instead, they were to be a matter of discussion between the Egyptians and the Israelis.

The New York Times

The definition of asthma has always been a matter of discussion.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

The type of treatment for Bismuth type I II carcinomas is still a matter of discussion.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

The ubiquity of plastic materials in the environment has been, for long, a matter of discussion.

Science of The Total Environment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matter of discussion" to indicate that a topic is currently being considered or debated, especially when emphasizing that different viewpoints or solutions are possible. For instance: "The new policy is a matter of discussion among the board members."

Common error

Avoid using "matter of discussion" when the issue has already been decided or a clear course of action has been established. The phrase implies open debate, so it's unsuitable when a decision is final.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of discussion" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a topic or issue that is currently being talked about or debated. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is frequently used across a variety of contexts to indicate open deliberation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter of discussion" is a commonly used phrase that indicates a topic is currently under consideration or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, especially in science, news media, and formal business settings. When writing, use it to show that an issue is still open for consideration and that various perspectives exist. Alternatives like "subject of debate" or "topic under consideration" can be used to achieve similar meanings. Be mindful of using this phrase only when an issue is truly open for debate; otherwise, it may lead to confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of debate

This alternative focuses on the aspect of contention and disagreement.

topic under consideration

This phrase emphasizes the act of thinking carefully about something.

point of contention

This alternative highlights the element of dispute or argument.

issue in question

This phrase pinpoints a specific problem or subject being addressed.

area of disagreement

This alternative spotlights the lack of consensus on a particular topic.

subject for deliberation

This option stresses the need for careful and thorough consideration.

theme for conversation

This phrase suggests a less formal and more conversational approach.

item on the agenda

This alternative refers to a specific topic planned for discussion.

question at hand

This phrase directly points to the issue currently being addressed.

bone of contention

This idiom refers to a subject about which there is continuing disagreement.

FAQs

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

Use "matter of discussion" to indicate a topic that's currently under consideration. For example, "The budget allocation is a "matter of discussion" at the next meeting."

What are some alternatives to "matter of discussion"?

Alternatives include "subject of debate", "topic under consideration", or "point of contention", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "matter of discussion" or "subject of discussion"?

Both "matter of discussion" and "subject of discussion" are correct. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey; "matter" often implies more complexity or ongoing debate, while "subject" is more general.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "matter of discussion"?

Avoid using "matter of discussion" if the issue is already settled or decided. The phrase implies that the topic is still open for debate and consideration.