the matter at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the matter at hand" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a current issue or topic that needs to be addressed. For example: "Let us turn our attention to the matter at hand and discuss our plan for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, back to the matter at hand".

The New York Times

But to the matter at hand.

The New York Times

"It's extraneous to the matter at hand".

The New York Times

Back to the matter at hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

But you're not thinking" about the matter at hand.

The New York Times - Books

Regarding the matter at hand, Benny and Stan were reassuring.

The New Yorker

It does not, however, resolve the matter at hand.

The New York Times

Only then did Trump address the matter at hand.

The Guardian

First, let's talk about the matter at hand – Jump Street!

The Guardian - Film

I couldn't resist that detail, but the matter at hand is serious.

The New York Times

The truncated answers might be funny if the matter at hand were not so serious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the matter at hand", ensure it's clear what the 'matter' refers to for clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "the matter at hand" when the subject is vague or undefined. The phrase works best when there's a clear, specific topic already established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the matter at hand" functions as a determiner + noun phrase, serving to identify the current topic, issue, or subject under discussion. It's used to refocus attention, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the matter at hand" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the current subject of discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While alternatives exist, like "the topic at hand" or "the issue at hand", "the matter at hand" maintains a general applicability. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the 'matter' you're referencing to avoid ambiguity. Its strength lies in its ability to refocus and maintain the conversation's direction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the issue at hand

Emphasizes a point of conflict or concern that needs addressing.

the problem at hand

Focus shifts from a general "matter" to a specific "problem".

the topic at hand

Replaces "matter" with "topic", narrowing the scope to a subject of discussion.

the subject at hand

Similar to 'topic', emphasizing the specific issue being discussed.

the business at hand

Emphasizes the specific task, project, or activity being addressed.

the questions at hand

Focuses on specific inquiries or points needing resolution.

the agenda at hand

Highlights a list of items or objectives to be discussed or achieved.

the point at issue

Highlights a specific point of disagreement or debate that needs resolution.

the current concern

Highlights the most pressing worry or issue that needs to be addressed.

the thing to consider

Emphasizes a particular aspect that requires thought and attention.

FAQs

How can I use "the matter at hand" in a sentence?

You can use "the matter at hand" to redirect a discussion to its primary focus, like "Let's return to the matter at hand and discuss the budget."

What's a formal way to say "the matter at hand"?

A more formal alternative would be "the subject under consideration" or "the topic under discussion". These phrases are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Which is correct, "the matter at hand" or "the issue at hand"?

Both phrases are correct and widely used. "The matter at hand" is a general way to refer to the topic being discussed, while "the issue at hand" typically refers to a specific problem or concern.

What can I say instead of "the matter at hand" in an email?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the main point", "the primary focus", or "the key issue".