tackled the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tackled the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how someone addressed or dealt with a specific issue or problem. Example: "During the meeting, the team tackled the matter of budget cuts head-on to find a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

After several more weeks of dithering, the prime minister at last tackled the matter in his new year's speech, condemning any attempts "to demonise groups of people on the basis of their religion or ethnic background".

The Economist

One possibility is merely that, during the 1860s, such luminaries as Alfred Russel Wallace, Ernst Haeckel, and Thomas Henry Huxley had all publicly tackled the matter of human origins and not invariably to Darwin's satisfaction.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

But another reason may be that his colleague Thomas Henry Huxley, who is often, if misleadingly, referred to as "Darwin's Bulldog," had already tackled the matter head-on in his 1863 book of essays, Evidence as to Man's Place in Nature.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Just over ten years ago, screen and television writer Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) tackled the matter in an episode of his under appreciated series Sports Night.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So it is not surprising that politicians want to tackle the matter.

The New York Times

Fearing that his successor won't bother to investigate it properly, he decides to tackle the matter as a civilian.

The Guardian - Books

By tackling the matter of identity on prime-time television – and making his subjects a vase or a canvas along the way – Grayson Perry is brave and bold.

Independent

Only on that point – that it is sensible to tackle the matter on the latter approach – is there consensus among us.

Columbia University

I was sort of grateful, then, that Walter Isaacson tried to tackle the matter in his new book, "The Innovators": a solidly researched, lucidly written account of digital invention, from calculating machines to the collaborative Web.

The New Yorker

Now, Nevada's new Congressional map is in the hands of a judge, who announced plans on Tuesday to appoint a panel of special masters to tackle the matter, after party leaders here clashed over vexing questions.

The New York Times

The Bush administration wants to tackle the matter by designating a new deputy national security adviser to serve as the overseas antiterrorism coordinator, and to report to both Mr. Ridge and Condoleezza Rice, the national security adviser.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tackled the matter" when you want to convey that someone approached an issue directly and with intent to resolve it. It implies a proactive approach.

Common error

While "tackled the matter" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in very informal settings. Simpler phrases like "dealt with it" or "handled it" might be more appropriate for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tackled the matter" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of addressing or dealing with a specific issue, problem, or subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tackled the matter" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies directly addressing an issue or problem. Ludwig AI confirms that it's well-regarded. It finds its primary use in news and media, with less frequent appearances in scientific and academic writing. While it's appropriate for professional communication, simpler alternatives might be better suited for casual conversations. Remember, while "tackled" is forceful, consider the context to avoid overuse, and choose alternatives like "addressed the issue" or "dealt with the problem" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Addressed the issue

Focuses on the act of addressing rather than actively dealing with it.

Dealt with the problem

Emphasizes the resolution of a problem.

Handled the situation

Highlights the management of a specific situation.

Took on the challenge

Stresses the acceptance of a difficult task.

Confronted the problem

Focuses on facing a difficulty directly.

Grappled with the question

Implies a struggle to understand or resolve something.

Attended to the concern

Highlights paying attention and providing care to a particular concern.

Applied oneself to the task

Focuses on dedicating effort and focus to a task.

Got down to business

Indicates starting to deal with something seriously and efficiently.

Took steps to resolve

Emphasizes the actions taken to find a resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "tackled the matter" in a sentence?

You can use "tackled the matter" to describe how someone addressed a particular issue or problem. For example: "The committee "tackled the matter" of budget deficits during the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "tackled the matter"?

Some alternatives to "tackled the matter" include "addressed the issue", "dealt with the problem", or "handled the situation", depending on the specific context.

Is "tackled the matter" formal or informal?

"Tackled the matter" sits in a neutral to slightly formal register, suitable for news reports, professional communications, and academic papers. In very casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

What's the difference between "tackled the matter" and "addressed the issue"?

"Tackled the matter" implies a more proactive and forceful approach than "addressed the issue". While "addressed" suggests attention was given, "tackled" suggests action was taken to resolve the matter.