matter of procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

"matter of procedure" is a valid phrase in written English and it can be used to refer to a uniform course of action that needs to be followed in a particular situation.
For example: "The company has established a clear matter of procedure for dealing with employee grievances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The drawback is that the scrum becomes more a matter of procedure than competition.

The Economist

In fact, her request was a matter of procedure because Kramer's answers were to be packaged for worldwide distribution.

The New York Times - Sports

Naturally enough, that also means that they are often prone to sum up their experiences as a matter of procedure and technical detail.

The Guardian

Finding them and preventing the crime then becomes a matter of procedure rather than high-seas adventure, duly explained in this book.

The New York Times - Books

As a matter of procedure, the police and the Queens district attorney's office are investigating the shooting to determine if it was justified.

The New York Times

Our understanding is that there will be no substantive enquiries made of him at the hearing, nor will the matter be progressed otherwise than as a matter of procedure".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Yesterday, the disease center and the Denver hospital said that as a matter of routine procedure they had performed new tests using three laboratory methods on TB bacteria isolated from Mr. Speaker on three occasions.

The New York Times - Health

The cab's license plate number, as a matter of routine procedure, is run through another software program -- first used in Peru in the 1990's to detect vehicles that have been stolen or registered to terrorist sympathizers, and most recently introduced in central London to nab motorists who have not paid peak-hour traffic tariffs.

The New York Times - Magazine

For the talks to be in this state simply over matters of procedure rather than substance is immensely disappointing".

The Guardian

It's tiresome, all this: such pedantic matters of procedure don't feel like the inspirational debate that we were promised.

The Guardian - Opinion

During his own investigation for corruption (of which he was eventually cleared), he made clear his distaste for matters of procedure.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter of procedure", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to an established and routine process, not a subjective opinion or choice.

Common error

Avoid using "matter of procedure" when describing situations that involve personal judgment or ethical considerations. This phrase is best suited for describing standardized processes and should not be used to minimize the importance of subjective decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of procedure" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that an action or process is being carried out according to established rules or protocols.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "matter of procedure" is a common expression used to describe a routine or standardized process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and consistent usage across various contexts. As evidenced by examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it commonly appears in news, business, and scientific publications. To enhance clarity in your writing, make sure to only use "matter of procedure" when describing established processes, avoiding its application in subjective or ethical contexts. Alternative phrases such as "standard practice" or "established protocol" can be used depending on the degree of formality required. In summary, understanding the correct application of the phrase is crucial for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standard practice

Emphasizes adherence to a set of established steps.

routine process

Highlights the repetitive and ordinary nature of the action.

customary practice

Focuses on actions that are typical or traditional.

established protocol

Suggests a formal and documented set of procedures.

normal course of action

Indicates the usual or expected way of doing something.

typical procedure

Highlights the common and expected way of carrying out something.

formal requirement

Highlights it is needed to be officially compliant

usual formality

Emphasizes the conventional and often obligatory nature of an action.

administrative step

Refers to actions taken as part of managing affairs.

technicality

Implies that the procedure is a minor, often insignificant detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "matter of procedure" to describe actions taken according to established protocols. For example: "The investigation was conducted as a "matter of procedure"".

What's the difference between "matter of procedure" and "matter of policy"?

"Matter of procedure" refers to the established steps in a process, while "matter of policy" refers to the guiding principles or rules. A procedure outlines how something is done, while a policy explains why.

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

You can use alternatives like "standard practice", "routine process", or "established protocol" depending on the context.

Is "matter of procedure" formal or informal?

"Matter of procedure" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for professional, news, and academic contexts. It indicates adherence to established rules or protocols, making it appropriate for objective reporting and formal communication.