matter of policy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matter of policy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing rules, guidelines, or principles that govern decisions or actions within an organization or context. Example: "The decision to implement remote work was a matter of policy that prioritized employee well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a matter of policy.

The New Yorker

Thus clemency was probably not just a matter of policy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is in part a matter of policy.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We don't contribute as a matter of policy," says Arnold.

The Guardian

The lying has been a matter of policy.

The Washington Post

As a matter of policy, executives do not give interviews.

The New York Times - Magazine

As to witnesses, however, a matter of policy arises.

Yale University

East Germans were anti-American and pro-Russian as a matter of policy.

The Economist

The dispute has now grown into more than just a matter of policy differences.

The Economist

But the other judges' signatures suggest that as a matter of policy they would rule similarly.

The New York Times

"For me, this is not just a matter of policy … it's personal".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter of policy", clearly state the policy being referred to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the basis for a decision or action.

Common error

Avoid using "matter of policy" as a vague justification without specifying the policy. Always provide context to clarify the specific rule or guideline in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of policy" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a prepositional complement (e.g., "as a matter of policy"). It denotes that an action or decision is based on established rules, regulations, or guidelines. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "matter of policy" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that denotes an action or decision based on established rules or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. It frequently appears in news articles, academic papers, and business communications. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the specific policy being referenced. Alternatives like "policy issue" or "standard practice" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

policy issue

Focuses on the topic being discussed in terms of policy.

policy decision

Highlights the act of making a decision based on policy.

standard practice

Emphasizes the routine and accepted nature of the policy.

established guideline

Stresses the formal and pre-defined aspect of the policy.

official procedure

Focuses on the formalized and structured process dictated by the policy.

rule of thumb

Implies a less formal but generally followed principle.

company regulation

Specifically refers to internal rules within a business context.

organizational protocol

Highlights the structured and formal aspect of the policy within an organization.

governing principle

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the policy in guiding actions.

accepted norm

Focuses on the policy as a widely recognized and followed standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "matter of policy" to explain why something is done a certain way because it's based on established rules or guidelines. For instance, "The company doesn't comment on ongoing investigations as a "matter of policy"."

What's a good alternative to "matter of policy"?

Alternatives include "policy issue", "standard practice", or "established guideline", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it formal or informal to use the expression "matter of policy"?

The expression "matter of policy" is generally considered neutral to formal. It appears frequently in news articles, legal documents, and business communications.

What is the difference between a "matter of policy" and a "matter of principle"?

A "matter of policy" refers to a decision or action based on specific rules or guidelines. A "matter of principle" refers to a decision based on deeply held moral or ethical beliefs.