to set matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to set matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of resolving or clarifying issues or situations. Example: "In order to move forward, we need to set matters straight regarding the budget allocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A salesman had to chase her to set matters straight.

The New York Times

Vann flew back to Moc Hoa to set matters right himself.

The New Yorker

France suffered humiliation in Tunisia, but seized on the Libyan revolt to set matters straight.

The Economist

After numerous trials, reviews and inquiries that were supposed to set matters straight, we start over again.

Independent

Realising, after my nostalgic orgy, that I'd succumbed to a silly, snobbish prejudice, I began to set matters straight.

The Guardian - Books

Courts may waive deadlines, he suggested, when two things have happened: the lawyer stopped working, effectively abandoning the client, and the client promptly tried to set matters right.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

For the neocortical slice, we defined the z-axis to be the cortical depth from white matter through the layers to the cortical surface, with the border between layer 6 and the white matter set to z = 0 mm.

Brain Structure and Function

Certainly parental influence -- and the examples parents set -- matters.

Los Angeles Times

When one sister finds her Catholicism starting to weaken, the other invites the local priest (Mr. Birney) to set theological matters aright.

The New York Times

4. That he regards this discussion as inadequate is suggested by his closing remark that, to set these matters out fully, he would have had to "expand [his] explications and demonstrations".

SEP

After Walker's death was confirmed, the rumours continued to spiral out of control, forcing Murphy's publicist to set the matter straight.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to set matters" when you want to emphasize the intention of resolving issues or correcting misinformation, especially when aiming for clarity and accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "to set matters" in contexts where a more specific action is needed. Instead of saying "we need to set matters straight", consider specifying what actions you will take: "we need to correct the budget allocation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to set matters" typically functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. It suggests an effort to correct, clarify, or resolve issues. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to set matters" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the intention of correcting or clarifying issues. As per Ludwig AI, it is used across diverse fields like news, academia, and general writing. While "to set matters" is a versatile phrase, consider using more specific alternatives like "to correct the record" or "to rectify the situation" for increased precision. When employing "to set matters", prioritize clarity and ensure it aligns with the intended remedial purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to set the record straight

Aims to correct misinformation or misrepresentations.

to rectify the situation

This alternative emphasizes correcting a negative situation or error.

to correct the record

Focuses specifically on ensuring factual accuracy.

to put things right

A more general phrase for correcting something that is wrong.

to straighten things out

Suggests resolving confusion or disorder.

to clear up misunderstandings

Emphasizes resolving confusion between parties.

to resolve the issue

Highlights bringing a problem to a conclusion.

to sort out problems

Suggests organizing and solving existing issues.

to clarify the situation

Focuses on making something easier to understand.

to iron out differences

Specifically addresses resolving disagreements or conflicts.

FAQs

How can I use "to set matters" in a sentence?

You can use "to set matters" to indicate an action taken to correct or clarify a situation. For example, "He returned to the office "to set matters straight" after the error was discovered".

What is a good alternative to "to set matters"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "to rectify the situation", "to correct the record", or "to clear up misunderstandings".

Is it better to say "to set matters straight" or "to set the record straight"?

While both are correct, "to set the record straight" focuses specifically on correcting factual inaccuracies, whereas ""to set matters straight"" is broader and can refer to resolving any kind of issue or misunderstanding.

What does it mean "to set matters aright"?

"To set matters aright" is an older, somewhat archaic, form of ""to set matters straight"". It means to correct or fix something that is wrong or out of order. While grammatically sound, it is less commonly used in contemporary English.