matter of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matter of which" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not typically used in standard English, and its intended meaning may be unclear without additional context. Example: "The matter of which we speak is quite complex."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was simply a matter of which.

Independent

"It is a matter of which path is correct.

The New York Times

Ethics becomes a matter of which opportunity to pursue".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's not a matter of which is better or which is worse," he explained.

The New York Times

The rest is the ordinary matter of which today's stars, planets and people are made.

The New York Times - Science

But even then it will be a matter of which City turn up on the day.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is a matter of which direction is the ball coming, where is the head?

The New Yorker

They are the real matter of which real history is made.

The New York Times

Metatheory, a theory the subject matter of which is another theory.

Britannica

Far worse was another matter of which Mrs. Hall was unaware.

The New York Times

On the matter of which day, of course, they remained uncertain.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "matter of which", ensure the context provides enough clarity to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Don't use "matter of which" when simpler alternatives like "about which" or "that" can convey the same meaning more effectively. Prioritize clarity and conciseness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of which" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to connect a noun or noun phrase to a relative clause. However, it's often considered grammatically awkward. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase, while prevalent, may not be the most effective choice for clear communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "matter of which" is frequently encountered, yet Ludwig AI suggests it's not always the optimal choice for clarity. While it appears in diverse sources such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, its grammatical structure can be awkward. Simpler alternatives like "subject of which", "topic that", or direct relative clauses often provide more effective communication. Therefore, while "matter of which" isn't strictly incorrect, writers should prioritize conciseness and precision by opting for clearer alternatives whenever possible. Despite its common occurrence, being mindful of its potential for ambiguity is crucial for polished and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of which

Focuses on the topic being discussed, maintaining a formal tone.

topic that

Simplifies the structure, making the sentence more direct and easier to understand.

area that

Emphasizes a specific field or domain related to the subject.

issue that

Highlights a problem or point of concern.

aspect that

Draws attention to a particular facet or feature.

detail about

Indicates a specific piece of information concerning the subject.

point regarding

Introduces a specific consideration or argument related to the topic.

respect in which

Indicates a specific way or sense in which something is true or applicable.

regard to which

Offers a more formal way to introduce a related point or consideration.

element concerning

Emphasizes a component or aspect related to the matter at hand.

FAQs

How can I rewrite a sentence using "matter of which" to make it clearer?

Replace "matter of which" with simpler alternatives like "about which", "that", or "regarding which". For instance, instead of "The matter of which we spoke was complex", try "The topic that we discussed was complex".

What are some alternatives to "matter of which"?

You can use alternatives such as "subject of which", "topic that", or "area that" to express the same idea with greater clarity.

Is "matter of which" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "matter of which" is often considered awkward and unclear. It's better to use more direct and common phrases like "about which" or "that".

What's the difference between "matter of which" and "subject of which"?

"Matter of which" is a more general and sometimes less precise way to refer to a topic. "Subject of which" is more specific and focuses on the core topic being discussed, often providing better clarity.