real matter

USAGE SUMMARY

It depends on the context in which it is used.
"Real matter" can be used to describe something that is significant or relevant, as in "The real matter at hand is finding a solution to this problem." It can also refer to tangible or physical things, as in "The real matter of concern is the safety of our employees." In written English, it can be used in formal or informal contexts as long as it is appropriate for the situation. Example: "The real matter of contention in this debate is the impact of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

But no real matter.

The New York Times - Books

That provided a theoretical basis for real matter swapping.

MIT Technology Review

She is a significant loss on a real matter of principle," he said.

Independent

They are the real matter of which real history is made.

The New York Times

But all this obfuscates the real matter at hand: your dog had a therapist?

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's not a real matter of enforcement, which is what we're lacking every single day".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Her real subject matter?

Independent

Similarly, the real subject matter of our 'water' talk is not H2O, but whatever fulfills our commonsense reference-fixing role.

SEP

When you come right down to it, I don't think "real" matters nearly as much as "cool".

The Guardian - Books

"This is very good," he said, "because now they can get to the real matters of production at hand".

The New York Times

The photographs are a means of making "real" (or "more real") matters that the privileged and the merely safe might prefer to ignore.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "real matter," ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to physical substance or a matter of importance. For physical substance, consider adding descriptive adjectives.

Common error

Avoid using "real matter" in overly abstract or philosophical discussions where more precise terminology might be appropriate. Opt for terms like "substance", "essence", or "core principle" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real matter" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to either tangible substances or, more abstractly, to issues or subjects of significance. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in diverse contexts ranging from scientific discussions to everyday concerns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "real matter" is a versatile noun phrase that is commonly used to refer to either physical substances or significant issues. Its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in reputable sources, as noted by Ludwig, contribute to its overall reliability. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's important to consider the specific context when using "real matter" to ensure that its intended meaning—whether referring to physical substance or a genuine concern—is clearly conveyed. By considering the nuances and alternatives discussed, writers can effectively use "real matter" to enhance the clarity and impact of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant issue

Focuses on the importance or consequence of the matter.

genuine concern

Emphasizes the authenticity and worry associated with the matter.

actual substance

Highlights the tangible or concrete aspect of the matter.

critical point

Underlines the decisiveness and importance of the matter.

essential element

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the matter to a larger whole.

true essence

Focuses on the core, underlying nature of the matter.

primary focus

Highlights what should be given the most attention.

central theme

Emphasizes the recurring and unifying idea within the matter.

fundamental aspect

Stresses the foundational character of the matter.

core ingredient

Highlights the most important part of the matter that is part of something bigger.

FAQs

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

You can use "real matter" to refer to something of importance, as in, "The "real matter" at hand is our company's future." Or, you can use it to describe physical substances, as in, "Scientists are studying the properties of "real matter" at the subatomic level."

What are some alternatives to "real matter" when referring to a significant issue?

When referring to a significant issue, you can use alternatives like "significant issue", "genuine concern", or "critical point" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "real matter" in formal writing?

Yes, "real matter" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when referring to tangible substances or concrete issues. However, ensure that the context is clear and that the term accurately reflects your intended meaning. Be mindful of using alternatives such as "actual substance" if more appropriate.

What's the difference between "real matter" and "practical matter"?

"Real matter" generally refers to either a physical substance or a genuine issue. "Practical matter", on the other hand, specifically refers to something that is related to real-world applications or concerns.