principal matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal matter" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to the main or most important subject or topic of a discussion or piece of writing. Example: In his speech, the politician addressed the principal matter at hand - the need for education reform.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Live, that's the principal matter".

The New York Times - Travel

A witty, sparkling memoir despite its principal matter: two decades of encounters with psychotherapists who were, with one splendid exception, remote, inappropriately involved or just peculiar.

The New York Times - Books

"The principal matter is the economy: what we have done and what we have to perfect and even eliminate as we are up against an imperative to make full accounts of what the country really has available, of what we have to live and for development," the newspaper quoted the president as saying.

The New York Times

The first we notice is the principal matter in respect to which testimony was offered, which has been most largely discussed by counsel on both sides, and that is the validity of the reduction in the charges of the stock-yards company made by the act in question.

Cornell University

In crisis situations, the evacuation of people from endangered areas (EA) is the overriding and principal matter.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

His principal matter of concern was the enforcement of U.S. neutrality with respect to the French Revolutionary Wars.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The recapitulation presents the principal subject matter of the movement in a new state of equilibrium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Interlocutory decree, generally, a judicial decision that is not final or that deals with a point other than the principal subject matter of the controversy at hand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was the language, and the principal subject matter, of Greek mathematics, was the mainstay of elementary education in the subject, and has an obvious visual appeal.

Britannica

Several factors give the stories an ageless quality, including Woodrell's precise, hard-edge language and his principal subject matter — death and love and family connections and neighborly disputes — which is as old as humankind itself.

The New York Times - Books

It presents a small fraction of the work of an extraordinary, but largely unknown, Bavarian artist who made London both his home and his principal subject matter after arriving in England in 1816.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "principal matter" when you want to emphasize the core issue or subject that needs attention. It adds a formal tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid substituting "principal" (main) with "principle" (a fundamental truth or proposition). Remember that "principal" in "principal matter" refers to the most important thing, while "principle" refers to a guiding rule.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important or central topic under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal matter" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon noun phrase used to denote the main or most important issue. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's usage is generally considered correct. Analysis of usage patterns shows it's frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, suggesting a formal or neutral register. Remember not to confuse "principal" with "principle". Alternatives include "main issue" and "primary concern". Using "principal matter" effectively can add clarity and emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main issue

Focuses on the core problem or subject.

primary concern

Emphasizes the element of worry or importance.

key subject

Highlights the importance of the topic.

central theme

Refers to the overarching idea or concept.

major point

Indicates the most significant aspect.

chief topic

Highlights the topic's dominance in a discussion.

core element

Focuses on the fundamental part of something.

essential aspect

Emphasizes the necessity of the consideration.

significant question

Highlights a key inquiry or problem to be addressed.

critical issue

Emphasizes urgency or importance of the issue.

FAQs

How to use "principal matter" in a sentence?

Use "principal matter" to refer to the main issue or subject. For example, "The "principal matter" discussed in the meeting was the budget deficit."

What can I say instead of "principal matter"?

You can use alternatives like "main issue", "primary concern", or "key subject" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "principal matter" or "principle matter"?

"Principal matter" is correct. "Principal" refers to the main or most important thing, while "principle" is a fundamental truth or proposition. So, the correct phrase is ""principal matter"".

What's the difference between "principal matter" and "main concern"?

"Principal matter" and "main concern" are similar, but "principal matter" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the core issue, while "main concern" highlights the primary worry or area of interest.