the very matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"the very matter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the specific and important topic or subject being discussed. Example: "We can't ignore the very matter at hand - the safety of our employees. We need to implement stricter safety protocols immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The finding of no negligence on the other hand was made after full opportunity to (plaintiff) on his own election to prove the very matter which he now urges a second time.

Cornell University

In Swaim v. United States, which involved a sentence under the 62d article of war, Mr. Justice Shiras, deivering the opinion, said: 'But, as the authorities heretofore cited show, this is the very matter that falls within the province of courts-martial, and in respect of which their conclusions cannot be controlled or reviewed by the civil courts.

Cornell University

"This kind of compelling a defendant to testify about the very matter in which he is being prosecuted in a case being subject to cross examination in this way, is really an unusual occurrence," said David Jaros, a University of Maryland law professor.

The Guardian

I have seen so many rooms full of tears since I first accompanied a bus of raging Serbian nationalist volunteers into Bosnia in 1992 that I sometimes feel grief has become the very matter and substance of this corner of Europe, a sort of Balkan anti-oxygen that millions of people have been forced to breathe.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sure enough, today we got a lengthy post from Facebook about the very matter.

TechCrunch

Ripped by the forces of the ever-growing darkness That feeds itself with the very matter that created it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When they told me this, the very matter-of-fact delivery – because it was a matter of fact – took my breath away.

The Guardian - Opinion

After a while, one looks for straightforward citizenly virtue, and one finds it in the people who are left cleaning up the mess: the mortgage counsellors in Baltimore who try to help people climb out of trouble; the city official who mournfully boards up houses; the very matter-of-fact guy who controls the mosquito population before the insects spread disease.

The New Yorker

In this case, the very matters that we did not consider in Godinez are directly before us.

Cornell University

Yet, these were the very matters that the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) had cleared for discussion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, he placed her in initial charge of the investigation into the very matters for which she had, by virtue of her editorship, been responsible for.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very matter" to emphasize the particular significance or relevance of a topic under discussion. This phrase adds weight and focus to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "the very matter" in overly casual or informal settings. It can sound stilted or overly formal in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "the issue" or "the problem" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very matter" functions as a determiner phrase followed by an adjective and a noun. It serves to emphasize a particular topic or subject under consideration. This construction is used to draw attention to the importance or specificity of the matter being discussed, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very matter" is a phrase used to emphasize the importance of a particular subject or issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests it is most appropriate for formal contexts, such as news, academia, and professional settings. While it effectively highlights significance, it should be used sparingly in informal situations to avoid sounding stilted. Alternatives like "the specific issue" or "the core concern" can provide similar emphasis with different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the specific issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue" to highlight a problem or point of contention.

the precise subject

Emphasizes the exact topic being discussed, using "subject" instead of "matter".

the central point

Focuses on the most important aspect or idea, shifting from a general "matter" to a specific "point".

the core concern

Highlights the main worry or area of interest, replacing "matter" with "concern".

the key element

Indicates the crucial component or aspect, using "element" to specify a part of the whole "matter".

the heart of the issue

Conveys the essence or most important part of the problem, adding a more metaphorical tone.

the essence of the problem

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the issue at hand, using more formal language.

the crux of it

Highlights the most decisive or critical point, offering a more concise alternative.

the nitty-gritty

Refers to the fundamental facts or practical details of a subject or issue, adding an informal tone.

the bottom line

Emphasizes the essential or most important consideration, typically in a business context.

FAQs

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

Use "the very matter" to emphasize the specific and important topic or subject being discussed. For instance, "We must address "the specific issue" of climate change, which is "the very matter" that will define our future."

What are some alternatives to using "the very matter"?

Alternatives include "the specific issue", "the precise subject", or "the central point", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "the very matter" formal or informal?

"The very matter" leans toward formal usage. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "the issue" or "the thing" might be more appropriate.

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

"The very matter" is more emphatic and indicates a greater importance or urgency compared to the more neutral term "the specific issue".