the matter of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the matter of' is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are about to discuss a specific topic. For example, "I'm sure you're aware of the matter of security and safety in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take the matter of food.

The New York Times

That settled the matter of group tours.

The New York Times - Travel

Then there is the matter of form.

The New Yorker

Then there is the matter of "face".

The Economist

That leaves the matter of soul.

The New York Times - Food

Then there is the matter of djinns.

The New York Times

Then there is the matter of thickening.

The New York Times - Food

Take the matter of salary for starters.

The New York Times

Which leaves the matter of Evangeline.

The New York Times - Books

There is, though, the matter of drink.

The New Yorker

Inevitably, the matter of restaurants comes up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the matter of" to introduce a specific topic for discussion or consideration in a clear and formal way. It is suitable for both written and spoken English, but avoid overuse in informal contexts.

Common error

While "the matter of" is grammatically correct, excessive use can make your writing sound stiff or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "about" or "regarding" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the matter of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a specific topic, subject, or issue under consideration. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is a conventional way to signal the focus of a discussion, argument, or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the matter of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a specific topic or issue, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and business settings. While "the matter of" is generally acceptable, consider using simpler alternatives like "regarding" or "about" in more informal conversations. The phrase’s prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its reliability and widespread use in formal English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the issue of

Emphasizes the problematic or contested nature of the topic.

considering the problem of

Draws attention to the challenging nature of the topic.

concerning the question of

Highlights the inquiry or debate surrounding the topic.

pertaining to the subject of

Highlights the relevance or applicability to a field.

in relation to the subject of

Indicates a connection or pertinence to a broader theme.

when it comes to the area of

Introduces a discussion on a specific domain.

with respect to the topic of

Adds a tone of formality and deference.

in terms of the aspect of

Focuses on a specific facet or characteristic.

in connection with the point of

Suggests a link or association to a specific argument or idea.

vis-à-vis the theme of

Highlights the comparative nature of the subject.

FAQs

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

Use "the matter of" to introduce a specific subject or topic. For example, "We need to discuss "the matter of funding" for the project."

What are some alternatives to "the matter of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "regarding", "concerning", "about", or "in relation to". For example, instead of "the matter of security", you might say "regarding security".

Is "the matter of" formal or informal?

"The matter of" is generally considered more formal. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "about" or "regarding" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the matter of" and "the issue of"?

While similar, "the issue of" often implies a problem or point of contention, whereas "the matter of" is more neutral and simply introduces a topic.