the matter of how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the matter of how" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the specifics or details of a particular issue or situation. Example: "In the meeting, we need to address the matter of how we will implement the new policy effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And then there was the matter of how they talked.

The New York Times

Then there is the matter of how she speaks.

The New York Times

Then there's the matter of how we feel about aging itself.

The New York Times

Lastly, there's the matter of how the world is divided in the new post-liberal era.

The Guardian

Also for the longer term is the matter of how much they are being used.

The Guardian

And there is the matter of, how good is this person, times their teamwork factor.

The New York Times

For one thing, there was the matter of how Adam and the Ants sounded.

The Guardian - Music

There was also the matter of how we'd divide the money among the surgeons, endocrinologists, radiologists, and others involved.

The New Yorker

The matter of how to react to the Iran crisis will also dominate the G8 summit in Italy next week.

Independent

The matter of how best to hit that target, though, is as much a political question as a fiscal one.

The New York Times

Recently, the matter of how he supports this large and widely dispersed family has been vigorously questioned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the matter of how", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly articulates the issue at hand. This helps to maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "the matter of how" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "how" or "the way" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the matter of how" functions as a noun phrase introducing a clause that specifies a particular issue, question, or problem. It sets the stage for a discussion or analysis of the methods, processes, or approaches related to a specific situation. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the matter of how" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a specific issue, question, or problem for discussion or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and useful in written English. While its formality lends itself well to academic and professional contexts, it may sound out of place in more casual settings. Alternative phrases such as "the question of how" or "the issue of how" can offer subtle shifts in meaning and tone. When using "the matter of how", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly articulates the issue at hand to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the question of how

Focuses on the inquiry or investigation into a method or process.

the issue of how

Highlights a problematic or contested aspect needing resolution.

the problem of how

Emphasizes the challenge or difficulty associated with a process.

the subject of how

Indicates a topic under discussion or consideration regarding a method.

the topic of how

Similar to 'subject', but emphasizes the theme or area of discussion.

the concern of how

Focuses on worries or anxieties related to a method or process.

the point of how

Highlights a specific aspect or detail regarding a method.

the consideration of how

Emphasizes the act of carefully thinking about a process.

the business of how

Implies a practical or logistical focus on a method.

the angle of how

Suggests examining a method from a particular viewpoint or perspective.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the matter of how" to sound less formal?

In less formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "how", "the way", or "the question of how". For instance, instead of saying "We need to discuss the matter of how we will allocate resources", you could say "We need to discuss how we will allocate resources".

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

"The matter of how" is a more general way to introduce a topic for discussion, while "the issue of how" often implies there is a problem or challenge to be resolved. The choice depends on whether you want to simply introduce a topic or highlight a specific concern.

Is "the matter of how" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "the matter of how" is perfectly suitable for academic writing. It adds a level of formality and precision that is often valued in scholarly contexts. It can be effectively used when introducing a specific topic, such as "the question of how to improve educational outcomes".

Can I use "the matter of how" in business communication?

Yes, "the matter of how" is appropriate for business communication, especially in formal reports, presentations, and strategic planning documents. It conveys a sense of seriousness and importance, making it useful for addressing critical aspects of business operations.