take the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"take the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as an imperative, as in "Let's take the matter up at the next meeting." It can also be used as an imperative, as in the sentence, "It's time to take the matter into our own hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take the matter of food.

The New York Times

Take the matter of salary for starters.

The New York Times

Take the matter of foreign policy.

The Economist

Take the matter of police operations.

The Guardian

But take the matter of paper plates.

The New Yorker

Take the matter of Blanchett and fashion, for instance.

The New York Times

British diplomats appeared to take the matter in stride.

The New York Times

Mr Bush wants to take the matter to court.

The Economist

At first everyone seemed to take the matter very seriously.

The New York Times

Then, I suspect, they'd take the matter seriously.

The Guardian

So let's take the matter into our own hands.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take the matter" when you want to convey a sense of responsibility or direct action in dealing with a specific issue. For example, "If the company doesn't respond, we will take the matter to court."

Common error

Avoid using "take the matter" in passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead of saying "The matter was taken", specify who will "take the matter" to maintain clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the matter" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used with an object (the matter) to indicate the act of addressing, handling, or dealing with a specific issue. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take the matter" is a versatile expression used to indicate addressing or dealing with a specific issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, most notably in news and media. It suggests a sense of responsibility and direct action. While alternatives like "address the issue" or "handle the situation" exist, "take the matter" is a straightforward and widely understood way to convey the intention to resolve a problem or pursue a course of action. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is "taking the matter" and avoid passive constructions where possible. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

address the issue

Focuses specifically on addressing a problem or concern.

handle the situation

Emphasizes managing or controlling a particular set of circumstances.

deal with the problem

Highlights the act of resolving or managing a difficulty.

attend to the issue

Suggests giving attention and care to a specific problem.

look into the question

Indicates investigating or examining a matter more closely.

consider the point

Emphasizes thoughtfulness and evaluation of a particular idea or argument.

investigate the subject

Focuses on a detailed and systematic examination of a topic.

tackle the question

Implies a direct and assertive approach to a challenging question.

sort out the issue

Suggests resolving a problem or misunderstanding to bring clarity.

get down to business

Indicates a transition to serious and focused activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "take the matter" to indicate addressing or dealing with an issue. For example, "The committee will take the matter under advisement" or "If no one else will help, I will take the matter into my own hands".

What are some alternatives to "take the matter"?

Alternatives include "address the issue", "handle the situation", or "deal with the problem", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "take the matter" or "drop the matter"?

Whether to "take the matter" or "drop the matter" depends on the situation. If the issue is important and requires action, you would take the matter. If it's insignificant or not worth pursuing, you might choose to drop the matter.

What does it mean to "take the matter into your own hands"?

To "take the matter into your own hands" means to assume personal responsibility for resolving a problem or addressing a situation, especially when others have failed or are unwilling to act.