to matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the significance or importance of something in a particular context. Example: "In the grand scheme of things, it may not seem like it matters, but every small action contributes to the larger goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's supposed to matter.

The Economist

Everything has to matter.

The New York Times - Magazine

Movies seemed to matter".

The New York Times

Nothing seems to matter.

The Economist

It didn't seem to matter.

The New York Times

He wanted to matter again.

The New York Times - Arts

I wanted it to matter.

The New York Times

Ideology didn't seem to matter.

The New Yorker

It doesn't seem to matter.

Forbes

Timing seems to matter tremendously.

The New York Times

His vote needs to matter to him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to matter" when you want to express that something has significance or influence in a particular context. For instance, "In the long run, integrity will always matter."

Common error

Avoid overusing "to matter" in highly formal or academic writing. Instead, consider more precise alternatives like "to be significant" or "to be consequential" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "to matter" is as an infinitive verb phrase. It's used to express that something is of significance or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in English, showing it often appears in constructions indicating whether something is relevant or impactful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to matter" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the significance or importance of something. Ludwig AI validates its acceptability. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to highlight the relevance or impact of a subject. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives like "to be significant" in academic settings. Common usage patterns and practical tips ensure effective and versatile use of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be significant

Highlights the notable or important quality of something.

to carry significance

Similar to "to be significant", but emphasizes the inherent meaning or value.

to hold importance

Directly states that something possesses a degree of importance.

to be of consequence

Emphasizes the importance of something in terms of its results or effects.

to count

Implies that something has value or is taken into consideration.

to make a difference

Indicates that something has a noticeable effect or impact.

to have an impact

Focuses on the effect that something has on a particular situation or outcome.

to carry weight

Suggests that something has influence or importance in a decision or situation.

to be relevant

Indicates that something is related or applicable to the current situation.

to cut any ice

Suggests that something has an effect or influence, especially in persuading someone.

FAQs

How can I use "to matter" in a sentence?

You can use "to matter" to indicate importance or relevance. For example, "It doesn't seem "to matter"" or "What they say ceases "to matter"".

What's a good alternative to "to matter"?

Alternatives include "to be important", "to be significant", or "to make a difference", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "to be important" instead of "to matter"?

Yes, "to be important" generally sounds more formal and can be preferable in academic or professional writing where a more sophisticated tone is desired compared to "to matter".

When is it appropriate to use "to matter" in writing?

"To matter" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something has significance, influence, or relevance. It can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations to news articles, but be mindful of overuse in overly formal settings.