matter to be handled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matter to be handled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an issue or topic that requires attention or action. Example: "We have a matter to be handled before the meeting can proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Yet, despite the addition of constables, the investigation and prosecution of crimes remained a private matter to be handled by the victims.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's too bad, because, by failing to act, Congress will force this matter to be handled by the courts, which will be addressing these issues in coming cases.

The New York Times

Some Democrats have suggested that they would oppose such a plan, and press for the entire matter to be handled as quickly as possible.

The New York Times

"Giving Elian, and his father and family, permanent resident status would allow this matter to be handled in family court and would allow his father to express what is in his heart," the statement said.

The New York Times

"But by the end of the day, Senate Republicans had effectively delayed a committee vote planned for Thursday and abandoned tentative plans for the matter to be handled behind closed doors amid growing calls by members of both parties for Kavanaugh and Ford to testify publicly under oath.

The Washington Post

But by the end of the day, Senate Republicans had effectively delayed a committee vote planned for Thursday and abandoned tentative plans for the matter to be handled behind closed doors amid growing calls by members of both parties for Kavanaugh and Ford to testify publicly under oath, injecting uncertainty into the nomination.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Upon entering the Pentagon as Mattis's deputy in 2017, Shanahan signed an ethics agreement that required Boeing matters to be handled by another Pentagon official, an effort to avoid potential conflicts of interest with his longtime employer.

The Washington Post

The effort stalled, however, after the National Rifle Association, the powerful gun lobbying group, said the matter ought to be handled via existing regulations rather than through new laws, prompting Republicans to back down.

HuffPost

Lawmakers have introduced several bills that would do so, but the effort was kneecapped after the National Rifle Association, the powerful gun lobby, said the matter ought to be handled via existing regulations rather than new laws.

Huffington Post

Civilian and criminal matters are to be handled by Palestinians.

The New York Times

"I thought all matters had to be handled internally, even when I was being attacked.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the situation when choosing this phrase. While acceptable in many contexts, more precise or formal language might be preferable in highly professional or academic settings.

Common error

Avoid using "matter to be handled" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "something to deal with" or "thing to sort out" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter to be handled" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific issue, task, or situation that requires attention or action. Examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in identifying items needing management.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter to be handled" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for referring to an issue or topic that needs attention or action, as affirmed by Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place across diverse contexts, including News & Media and scientific writing. Ludwig's examples show the phrase used effectively in identifying items needing management. Remember to consider the context's formality and choose simpler alternatives in casual settings. Alternatives to the phrase, such as "issue to address" or "topic to resolve", can provide nuances depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue to address

Replaces "matter" with "issue", emphasizing the problem aspect.

topic to resolve

Substitutes "matter" with "topic" and "handled" with "resolve", suggesting a need for a solution.

item to process

Focuses on the action of "processing" the matter, suitable for procedural contexts.

affair to manage

Emphasizes the need for "managing" the situation, implying control and oversight.

situation to address

Highlights the "situation" aspect, suitable when dealing with complex circumstances.

case to consider

Focuses on the "case" and the act of "considering" it, implying careful thought and evaluation.

problem to solve

Directly addresses the "problem" and its resolution, emphasizing a solution-oriented approach.

concern to address

Highlights the "concern" requiring attention, suitable for sensitive or worrying issues.

task to complete

Emphasizes the "task" aspect, focusing on the action of finishing or fulfilling something.

business to take care of

Uses a more informal expression, suggesting a responsibility to manage the "business".

FAQs

How can I use "matter to be handled" in a sentence?

You can use "matter to be handled" to refer to a task, issue, or topic that needs attention or action. For example, "We have a matter to be handled before the meeting can proceed" or "The contract dispute is a matter to be handled by the legal team".

What can I say instead of "matter to be handled"?

You can use alternatives like "issue to address", "topic to resolve", or "item to process" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "matter to be handled" formal or informal?

"Matter to be handled" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for professional and business settings, but might sound a bit stilted in very casual conversation. Consider your audience and context when choosing this phrase.

What's the difference between "matter to be handled" and "matter to be resolved"?

"Matter to be handled" implies a general need for attention or action, while "matter to be resolved" specifically suggests that the issue needs a solution. "Matter to be resolved" focuses on finding a resolution to a problem or conflict.