the second matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the second matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the second topic or issue in a discussion or list of matters. Example: "In our meeting today, we will address the first matter, and then we will move on to the second matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

And the second matter is the matter of affordability.

The Guardian

On the second matter he said: "The discussion was relatively long..

The Guardian - Sport

The second matter at hand should be why is this science advisory body best placed to undertake the advice?

Nature

In the second matter, Harris v. Quinn, the Court has been asked to consider whether, consistent with the First Amendment, public sector collective bargaining agreements can require employees to pay fees to cover the union's representational services.

Harvard University

The second matter is largely up to NATO: Lithuania is a bit better prepared than neighbouring Latvia or Estonia, but if the alliance wants any of them, it would probably want all three Baltic states together.

The Economist

In the second matter, from 2001, a graduate assistant named Mike McQueary witnessed an incident in the locker-room shower between Sandusky and a young boy; he later testified that he thought the boy was being raped.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Of his championships, the second mattered more.

The New York Times - Sports

The second matters more widely.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are two answers, and the second matters far more than the first.

The New York Times - Sports

The first matter is the indictment.

The New York Times

Let us look briefly at the first matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting multiple points, use "the second matter" to clearly signal the transition to the next item on your agenda. This provides a clear and structured flow for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "the second matter" when you specifically mean a 'problem'. While "matter" can sometimes imply an issue, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. If it's a difficulty, consider phrases like "the second issue" or "the second problem" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the second matter" serves as a transitional phrase, functioning primarily to introduce the second item, topic, or issue in a sequence. This is supported by Ludwig, which presents many examples of it in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the second matter" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to introduce the subsequent point in a discussion or presentation. As Ludwig confirms, it frequently appears in formal and professional contexts such as news and business, signaling a clear transition. While substitutes like "the second issue" or "the next point" exist, selecting "the second matter" offers a structured and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue", focusing on problems or points of contention.

the second point

Substitutes "matter" with "point", highlighting specific items in a list or argument.

the second item

Replaces "matter" with "item", suitable when referring to elements in a list.

the second topic

Substitutes "matter" with "topic", emphasizing subjects under discussion.

the next concern

Shifts from a numerical sequence to a more general indication of what follows in importance.

another consideration

Replaces the sequential aspect with a focus on additional factors to consider.

the subsequent subject

Uses "subsequent" to indicate what comes after the first matter.

moving on to the next thing

More informal, suggesting a transition to the next item on an agenda.

the following question

Directly relates to inquiries or questions being addressed in a series.

secondly

A single-word adverb indicating the second point in a sequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "the second matter" to introduce the next topic or point of discussion, such as: "The first issue is budget constraints; "the second matter" involves staffing levels".

What's an alternative to saying "the second matter"?

Alternatives include "the second issue", "the second point", or "another consideration", depending on the context.

Is "the second matter" formal or informal?

"The second matter" is generally considered neutral to formal. For more informal contexts, consider "next up" or "moving on".

When is it appropriate to use "the second matter"?

Use "the second matter" when you're presenting information in a structured sequence and want to clearly signal the transition from one topic or issue to the next. This phrase is useful in reports, meetings, and presentations.