outstanding matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outstanding matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an issue or topic that requires attention or resolution, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "We need to address the outstanding matter of the budget before the meeting next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

They avoided arbitration with forward Marcel Hossa by signing him for $780,000 over one year Tuesday, and Avery's deal was the final outstanding matter to settle.

The New York Times - Sports

"There are lots of reasons settlements are chosen as a best way of resolving an outstanding matter," she said, "so it's important to note that there were, in this case, no findings of fact".

The New York Times

David Green, the SFO director who inherited the case, said: "I am pleased that we have been able to resolve this final outstanding matter, without the need for a costly trial".

The Guardian - Business

Another outstanding matter is ExoMars' budget.

BBC

This is an outstanding matter, therefore, and we are expecting you to do everything possible to resolve it.

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Outstanding matters were to be settled over the next five years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor has there been agreement on any of the "outstanding matters", which were supposed to have been resolved by March 31st.

The Economist

Any "outstanding matters" had to be sent in writing to an address on Fulham High Street, it said.

The Guardian

"I think it just became obvious to her that outstanding matters would remain contested, and representing oneself is fraught with peril no matter how good you are".

The New York Times

"I am willing to extend the contract by an additional week to allow closure on all outstanding matters," Mr. Marchionne wrote.

The New York Times

The spokeswoman, Jennifer Zuccarelli, explained that "the agreement resolves all outstanding matters" between the bank and the MF Global "estate, its customers and creditors".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outstanding matter" in formal writing when you need to refer to an unresolved issue that requires action or resolution. It's suitable for business reports, legal documents, and academic papers.

Common error

Avoid using "outstanding matter" when you intend to convey exceptional quality or achievement. "Outstanding" in this context refers to something unresolved, not something excellent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstanding matter" functions as a noun phrase, where "outstanding" is an adjective modifying the noun "matter". It denotes an issue or task that remains unresolved or pending. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which marks it as correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outstanding matter" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an unresolved issue or task that requires attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for formal contexts. While the phrase isn't particularly common, its usage is clear and consistent across reputable sources like The New York Times and BBC. When writing, consider alternatives like "pending issue" or ""unresolved issue"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid confusing it with descriptions of excellence, and reserve it for referring to matters that are yet to be resolved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pending issue

Focuses on the state of being unresolved and awaiting attention.

unresolved issue

Emphasizes the lack of resolution for a particular problem.

unaddressed issue

Indicates a problem that has not yet been dealt with.

unfinished business

Implies tasks or issues that remain incomplete.

open question

Highlights that a particular query or subject is yet to be decided.

unsettled affair

Suggests a situation that is not yet resolved or finalized.

lingering concern

Focuses on a worry or problem that persists.

remaining item

Specifically pinpoints a detail or object that needs to be addressed.

pending task

Focuses on action to be done.

incomplete action

The alternative stresses the action that needs to be executed.

FAQs

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

You can use "outstanding matter" to refer to an issue that still needs to be resolved. For example, "The "unresolved issue" of funding remains an "outstanding matter" for the project team".

What are some alternatives to "outstanding matter"?

Some alternatives to "outstanding matter" include "pending issue", ""unresolved issue"", or "unfinished business", depending on the context.

Is "outstanding matter" formal or informal?

"Outstanding matter" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic contexts. It's less common in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "outstanding matter" and "important issue"?

"Outstanding matter" specifically refers to an issue that is unresolved, while "important issue" simply highlights the significance of a topic, regardless of its resolution status.