reconsider the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"reconsider the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations when you are suggesting that someone should think about something again, usually because there has been a change of circumstances or because the original decision was thought to be wrong or inappropriate. For example: "In light of new evidence, I think we should reconsider the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Judge Berman then asked Magistrate Francis to reconsider the matter.

The New York Times

It seems that Mr. Moses should reconsider the matter and find another site for the oldsters.

The New Yorker

Both Gutoff and Nixon said it was doubtful any court today would reconsider the matter.

The Guardian

The judge, Sue L. Robinson, had been asked to reconsider the matter by Medtronic.

The New York Times

Still, Tyco's chief executive, Edward D. Breen, said after that vote that the company would reconsider the matter.

The New York Times

An N.C.A.A. spokeswoman said the organization was waiting for St . Johns to submit new information on Sanchez's case before deciding if itowould reconsubmitthe matter.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But I've been reconsidering the matter.

The New York Times - Books

The appeals court subsequently reconsidered the matter but reached the same conclusion.

Cornell University

He has reconsidered the matter and to his own surprise he has changed his mind.

The New York Times

* Reauthorizing the endowment for one year without restrictions and reconsidering the matter in a nonelection year.

The New York Times - Arts

Let's hope that the English National Opera, a co-producer of this "Hoffmann," reconsiders the matter when the production travels to London.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "reconsider the matter" in formal settings to maintain a professional tone. It's particularly useful when addressing decisions made by committees, boards, or governing bodies.

Common error

Avoid using "reconsider the matter" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "think about it again" or "give it another thought" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reconsider the matter" functions as a directive, typically used in formal contexts to request or suggest a reevaluation of a previous decision or situation. As shown in Ludwig, it is commonly found in news articles and academic papers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reconsider the matter" is a phrase used to suggest reevaluating something, generally due to new information or changed circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, maintaining a neutral, leaning towards formal, register. While effective, be mindful of the audience and setting, as simpler alternatives may be more suitable in informal situations. As highlighted, related phrases like "revisit the issue" or "reexamine the situation" may serve as suitable replacements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revisit the issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue", focusing on a specific problem or point of discussion. This reduces ambiguity if "matter" is too vague.

reexamine the situation

Substitutes "reconsider" with "reexamine" and "matter" with "situation", framing it as a review of circumstances.

reappraise the subject

Uses "reappraise" instead of "reconsider", emphasizing a fresh assessment of the "subject".

review the decision

Replaces "reconsider the matter" with a request to "review the decision", focusing on a specific judgement.

reassess the circumstances

Emphasizes a fresh evaluation of conditions, substituting "reconsider" with "reassess" and "matter" with "circumstances".

rethink the problem

Suggests a deeper level of reflection on a specific "problem" compared to a general "matter".

give it another thought

An informal way to say reconsider, implying a need to think about something again.

take a second look

An idiomatic phrase suggesting a fresh examination, less formal than "reconsider the matter".

have another think about it

An informal phrase urging a renewed consideration of something, common in British English.

sleep on it

Implies postponing a decision until after a night's sleep, allowing for a more considered perspective. It is less direct than "reconsider the matter".

FAQs

What does "reconsider the matter" mean?

The phrase "reconsider the matter" means to think about something again, usually to change a previous decision or opinion. It suggests a need to re-evaluate the facts and circumstances.

When is it appropriate to use "reconsider the matter"?

It is appropriate in formal settings, such as legal proceedings, business meetings, or academic discussions, when a decision needs to be re-evaluated based on new information or changing circumstances. It signals a serious and thoughtful approach to decision-making.

What are some alternatives to "reconsider the matter"?

Alternatives include "revisit the issue", "reexamine the situation", or "review the decision". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

How does "reconsider the matter" differ from "think about it"?

"Reconsider the matter" is more formal and implies a need for a structured reevaluation, often in response to new information or changed circumstances. "Think about it" is more general and can apply to any situation where further thought is needed, without necessarily implying a previous decision.