mere matter of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere matter of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is simply a question of or just a trivial issue regarding a particular topic. Example: "The decision to move forward with the project is a mere matter of budget and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This goes deeper than a mere matter of narrative style.

The Guardian - Books

All are electric; a mere matter of plugs and sockets.

The New York Times

And this was not a mere matter of personality.

The Guardian - Opinion

His fourth touchdown was a mere matter of reversing his field for 44 yards.

The Washington Post

Even if they've been on our soil for a mere matter of seconds.

The Washington Post

t's simply an exercise in the proverbial mere matter of software.

The Guardian - Tech

And "Parks and Recreation's" commitment to diversity was no mere matter of social position.

The Washington Post

How I choose to play it is a mere matter of taste".

The Guardian

It is not a mere matter of a few score factual errors.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps their high school teachers considered the subject a mere matter of military history.

The New York Times

Astronomy is no longer a mere matter of gazing at the stars, one must listen to them, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere matter of" when you want to downplay the complexity or significance of something. It's effective for presenting tasks as manageable or issues as easily resolvable.

Common error

Avoid overusing "mere matter of", which can make your writing sound dismissive or condescending. Instead, use more neutral language when describing tasks or issues that might be challenging for others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere matter of" primarily functions as a qualifier, indicating that something is simple, insignificant, or easily accomplished. Ludwig AI shows it often precedes a noun or gerund, clarifying the nature of the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mere matter of" is a commonly used expression to denote simplicity or ease, often serving to downplay complexity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions grammatically as a qualifier. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of potential dismissive connotations in formal contexts. Examples show it's prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When aiming for alternative expressions, consider "simple question of" or "just a question of" for similar impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple question of

Focuses on the simplicity of the issue at hand.

just a question of

Highlights that the only thing needed is addressing the problem.

easily resolved by

Implies the solution is not complicated.

simply a case of

Emphasizes the straightforward nature of the situation.

minor detail of

Downplays the importance of the issue.

small point of

Indicates a limited scope of consideration.

easily achieved by

Focuses on the ease with which something can be accomplished.

straightforward task of

Highlights the lack of complexity involved.

routine procedure for

Implies the action is commonplace and uncomplicated.

basic element of

Indicates that something is a core, uncomplicated component.

FAQs

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

The phrase "mere matter of" is used to suggest that something is simple or easily achievable. For example, "Completing the project is a "mere matter of" allocating resources efficiently."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "simple question of", "just a question of", or "easily resolved by", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "mere matter of"?

Use "mere matter of" when you want to emphasize the simplicity or straightforwardness of a task, situation, or decision. Be mindful of your tone; it can come across as dismissive if used inappropriately.

Is "mere matter of" formal or informal?

"Mere matter of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific context to ensure it does not sound dismissive or condescending.