matter of respect

USAGE SUMMARY

"matter of respect" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an obligation to behave in a certain way that is based on mutual respect. For example, "It is a matter of respect that we all take off our hats when we enter the church."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's a matter of respect.

The New Yorker

"This is a matter of respect.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a basic matter of respect".

The Guardian

It was a matter of respect".

The Guardian - Books

Rather, this is a matter of respect, of recognition.

The New York Times

Those curtain calls are a matter of respect.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

It was a matter of respecting the ground rules.

The New Yorker

He defended the reconstruction of the Ottoman barracks as a matter of "respecting history".

The Guardian

It was no longer just a matter of respecting the occasional white-bearded patriarch.

The New York Times

"Preserving the nuclear deal with Iran is a matter of respecting international agreements and a matter of international security," the Europeans said.

The New Yorker

So when we talk about indigenous peoples it's a matter of respecting their rights to self-determination, as stated in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter of respect", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is being respected, and why. The phrase often implies a shared understanding or social norm.

Common error

Avoid assuming that what is considered a "matter of respect" in one culture or context is universally understood or applicable. Be mindful of potential cultural differences in expectations of respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of respect" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a predicate nominative or a subject complement. It identifies or describes a situation, action, or principle as being related to or based upon respect. Ludwig confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "matter of respect" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the importance of showing consideration and valuing others' feelings, opinions, or positions. As Ludwig AI affirms, the phrase is used correctly in various contexts. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of cultural differences when applying the phrase, as what constitutes "respect" can vary across cultures. When writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is being respected to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "common courtesy" or "basic etiquette" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common courtesy

Stresses everyday politeness and respect towards others.

an issue of deference

Swaps "respect" with "deference", highlighting the act of submitting to someone else's wishes.

a question of decency

Replaces "respect" with "decency", focusing on moral behavior.

a point of consideration

Shifts the focus to thoughtfulness and careful consideration.

an act of courtesy

Emphasizes politeness and good manners.

a sign of recognition

Highlights acknowledging someone's worth or status.

a fundamental principle

Highlights a moral concept related to respect.

basic etiquette

Focuses on following social rules and norms.

essential decorum

Emphasizes behaving in a proper and dignified manner.

simply proper

Highlights how something is merely considered appropriate or well-mannered.

FAQs

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

You can use "matter of respect" to indicate that something should be done out of consideration for others, such as "It's a "matter of respect" to listen when someone is speaking".

What are some alternatives to saying "matter of respect"?

Alternatives include phrases like "common courtesy", "basic etiquette", or "simply proper", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who or what the "matter of respect" pertains to?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the object of respect often enhances clarity and avoids potential ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It's a "matter of respect"", you could say "It's a "matter of respect" for the elders".

In what situations might "matter of respect" be particularly relevant?

The phrase is often relevant in discussions of social norms, cultural traditions, professional ethics, and personal relationships, where showing consideration and valuing others is important.