that's another matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"that's another matter" is correct and can be used in written English
It is used to indicate that something is a separate issue and requires a different approach or discussion. For example: "I understand your opinion on the issue, but that's another matter altogether."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

If the Muslim Brotherhood then undermines democratic values that's another matter, but that's assuming too much.

The Guardian

But even though Gmail's native search is OK on the desktop, on phones, that's another matter.

TechCrunch

That's another matter entirely.

The New York Times

Perhaps, but that's another matter.

Independent

Well, that's another matter.

The New York Times

Now that's another matter.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

But dread — that was another matter.

The New York Times

For China and India, that is another matter.

The New York Times

It's group situations that are another matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

As for his political future, that is another matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

As for progression and retention, that is another matter again.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's another matter" to smoothly transition to a different but related topic. It signals to your audience that you acknowledge the connection but are deliberately shifting focus.

Common error

Don't use "that's another matter" as a dismissive tactic to avoid addressing a challenging question or counterargument. Ensure the shift is logical and adds value to the overall discussion rather than derailing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's another matter" serves as a transitional device. It indicates a shift in focus to a related but distinct topic, acknowledging a connection while signaling a deliberate change in subject. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's another matter" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to signal a shift to a different but related topic. It functions as a transitional device, allowing for a change in perspective or approach. According to Ludwig, its usage is versatile, fitting into both formal and informal contexts. While it's mostly found in News & Media, being mindful of the audience and choosing more formal alternatives for academic or business writing can enhance clarity and professionalism. The phrase is best used when you want to acknowledge a connection between topics but deliberately change the focus of the discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's a different story

Emphasizes the difference in narrative or circumstances.

that's a separate issue

Highlights the distinct nature of the topic being discussed.

that's a distinct concern

Highlights that the subject deserves its own independent attention.

that's a completely different subject

Signifies that it belongs to a separate category.

that's beside the point

Indicates that the matter is not relevant to the current discussion.

that's not the issue at hand

Focuses on the irrelevance of the topic to the present concern.

that's a horse of a different color

A more idiomatic way of saying it's a completely different situation.

that's a whole other ballgame

Implies a significant change in the nature of the situation.

that's another kettle of fish

Another idiomatic expression for a different and unrelated problem.

that's a matter for another day

Postpones the discussion for a later time.

FAQs

How can I use "that's another matter" in a sentence?

You can use "that's another matter" to indicate that something is a separate issue or topic. For example, "I understand your concerns about the budget, but project timelines "that's another matter" entirely."

What does "that's another matter" mean?

"That's another matter" means that something is a different issue or topic that needs to be considered separately.

What can I say instead of "that's another matter"?

You can use alternatives like "that's a different story", "that's a separate issue", or "that's beside the point" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "that's another matter" in formal writing?

Yes, "that's another matter" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in some contexts. Consider alternatives like "that's a separate issue" for a more formal tone.