on various matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on various matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing multiple topics or issues that are not specified in detail. Example: "The committee will convene to discuss on various matters related to community development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The advisory unit also includes a somewhat unusual team as well, one that advises governments on various matters.

The New York Times

And a disclosure of my own: I've represented Google before on various matters, though none connected to this case, and no one at Google asked me to post about this.

The Washington Post

Perkins had worked with Sonsini on various matters for forty years, and liked and trusted him.

The New Yorker

Mr. Klein has also advised a number of governments on various matters, including Britain on its bank rescue plan.

The New York Times

Of the notion that he "flip-flops" on various matters, including abortion and gun control, Mr. Gore said: "Don't you want somebody who learns from experience?

The New York Times

They present a digest of accumulated teachings, illustrated by myth and legend, on various matters of ritual and on hidden meanings of the sacred texts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

We've already seen this play out on the state and federal level with hate crime legislation that cracks down on so-called "hateful" thoughts and expression, encourages self-censoring and reduces free debate on various subject matter.

Huffington Post

Al-Baghdadi is responsible for issuing top-level orders, and receives advice on the various matters he deals with from the "shura council".

Vice

To be able to retrieve the expert opinion on the various matters, like diagnosis, treatment etc., the student has to enter his/her own suggestions.

BMC Medical Education

The filing came after an article in The New York Post on Sunday reporting that a whistle-blower had filed a complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission about suspected actions by a midlevel executive at I.S.S. Proxy advisory firms like I.S.S. produce research reports that urge shareholders to vote one way or another on various corporate matters that come up at investor meetings.

The New York Times

Most of the people behind its creation were outsiders or marginalized in one way or another, and though they saw eye to eye on various creative matters, they sometimes fought among themselves about what the show should be.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on various matters" to introduce a list of topics without specifying them. This is useful when the exact details are not yet known or are too numerous to list.

Common error

While acceptable, "on various matters" can sound vague in formal contexts. Opt for more specific language if possible. For example, instead of saying "The report touched on various matters", consider "The report addressed key challenges in project management, resource allocation, and team communication."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on various matters" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or noun, indicating the scope or range of subjects or topics being addressed. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used in contexts such as advising or discussing different subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on various matters" serves as a grammatically correct and versatile way to refer to a range of topics without being overly specific. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media, academic, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a broad applicability across different domains. While its usage is common, remember that being more specific when possible provides greater clarity. Consider using alternatives like "regarding diverse issues" or "concerning several subjects" to tailor the phrase to your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding diverse issues

Replaces "matters" with "issues" and "various" with "diverse", altering the tone slightly.

concerning several subjects

Substitutes "various matters" with "several subjects", offering a more specific feel.

about numerous topics

Replaces "various matters" with "numerous topics", emphasizing the quantity of subjects.

relating to different aspects

Uses "aspects" instead of "matters", focusing on elements of a broader subject.

with respect to manifold concerns

Employs more formal vocabulary such as "manifold concerns" in place of "various matters".

in relation to sundry items

Replaces "matters" with "items" and "various" with "sundry", which makes the phrase more archaic.

touching on assorted points

Substitutes "matters" with "points", which implies a more segmented discussion.

considering a range of affairs

Uses "affairs" instead of "matters", potentially suggesting more serious or official subjects.

dealing with heterogeneous questions

Replaces "matters" with "questions" and "various" with "heterogeneous", which indicates a diverse set of inquiries.

addressing a spectrum of themes

Substitutes "matters" with "themes", suggesting a conceptual or artistic context.

FAQs

How can I use "on various matters" in a sentence?

You can use "on various matters" to refer to a range of topics or issues without specifying them, such as, "The committee advises the president "on various matters" of policy."

What can I say instead of "on various matters"?

You can use alternatives like "on different issues", "regarding several subjects", or "concerning numerous topics" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "on various matters"?

While "on various matters" is acceptable, being specific provides clarity and can enhance the impact of your writing. However, if the details are not known or too numerous to list, "on various matters" serves as a useful placeholder.

What is the level of formality when using "on various matters"?

The phrase "on various matters" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. In highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise language when possible.