ominous matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ominous matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or topic that is threatening or foreboding in nature. Example: "The report revealed an ominous matter that could have serious implications for the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And on the other, people from the old Soviet bloc who take as an ominous matter Russia's attempts to re-establish a zone of influence along its borders.

The New York Times

Diddy, 37, then yelled at Rechnitzer "in a threatening and ominous matter," the suit claims, before "intentionally, wilfully, knowingly and unlawfully" conducting an assault that caused the flying-backward-through-the-air thing.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Despite the ominous subject matter, everyone seems to be having fun scowling and threatening (1 00).

The New York Times

That is ominous, and matters to Palestinians.

Independent

It was, for them, a productive pairing, one they said they might reprise at the United States Open next month, no matter the ominous reports from Pakistan that Qureshi has read on the Internet.

The New York Times - Sports

Though the subject matter was ominous, responses to the film were highly supportive.

Huffington Post

A sad and ominous irony of "Family Matters" is that Yezad, denied emigration and his just deserts as the manager of Bombay Sporting Goods, soothes his defeats in a reëmbrace of Zoroastrianism that leaves him as tyrannically intolerant as his father-in-law's late father.

The New Yorker

The Italian term for still-life seemed stronger than it had to be, ominous, even, but these were matters she hadn't talked about with her mother.

The New Yorker

Matters look even more ominous in the poorer nations of Central and Eastern Europe.

Huffington Post

His T-shirt — a cigarette-smoking skull wearing an aviator's helmet, beneath the words "It's only a matter of time" — was both ominous and obscure.

The New Yorker

The subject matter has suddenly grown more ominous, too, with surging dirges about rape (Sister) and inner turmoil (the title track).

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ominous matter", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the matter threatening or foreboding. Provide specific details to support the ominous tone.

Common error

Avoid using "ominous matter" in everyday conversation or informal writing where a simpler term like "problem" or "issue" would suffice. The phrase carries a weight that is best reserved for more serious or formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ominous matter" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ominous" modifies the noun "matter". It describes a subject or situation that is perceived as threatening or foreboding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ominous matter" is a grammatically sound way to describe a threatening or foreboding situation. Ludwig AI confirms this, although it's not a particularly common phrase. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. While correct, it's important to consider the weight and formality of the phrase, reserving it for situations where the sense of impending negativity is genuinely present. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in casual settings. Related phrases include "foreboding issue" and "threatening situation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foreboding issue

Replaces "ominous" with "foreboding", emphasizing a feeling that something bad is going to happen, while retaining the noun "issue".

threatening situation

Substitutes both "ominous" and "matter" for "threatening situation", focusing on the potential danger present.

ill-boding affair

Replaces "ominous" with "ill-boding" and "matter" with "affair", adding a touch of formality and a sense of something unfavorable.

portentous development

Uses "portentous" instead of "ominous", highlighting the significance of the development as a sign of future events.

troubling circumstance

Replaces "ominous" with "troubling", focusing on the worrying aspect of the circumstance.

disturbing state of affairs

Expands the phrase to describe a situation that is unsettling and problematic.

worrying subject

Shifts the focus to the "subject" of concern, using "worrying" to convey the sense of unease.

alarming event

Replaces "matter" with "event", highlighting a specific occurrence that is causing concern, using "alarming" to convey a sense of danger.

grave concern

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the seriousness of the concern.

serious problem

Focuses on the problematic aspect, using direct and straightforward language.

FAQs

How can I use "ominous matter" in a sentence?

You can use "ominous matter" to describe a situation or topic that seems threatening or foreboding. For example, "The report revealed an ominous matter that could have serious implications for the community."

What can I say instead of "ominous matter"?

You can use alternatives like "foreboding issue", "threatening situation", or "grave concern" depending on the context.

Is "ominous matter" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct, "ominous matter" is not a particularly common phrase. Simpler alternatives are often preferred.

What is the difference between "ominous matter" and "serious issue"?

"Ominous matter" suggests a threat or foreboding, while "serious issue" simply indicates a problem of significant importance. The former carries a stronger sense of impending danger.