various matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "various matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a range of different topics or issues that are being discussed or considered. Example: "The committee will address various matters during the meeting, including budget allocations and project timelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Various matters are the subject of review, discussion and negotiation," Vivendi said in a statement.

The New York Times

Perkins had worked with Sonsini on various matters for forty years, and liked and trusted him.

The New Yorker

Various matters that once seemed settled are now subjects of intense debate.

Cornell University

The company said at the time that it had received an anonymous letter expressing concern over various matters.

The New York Times

Ultimately, Mr. Witzel said, "the person with the most expertise" in various matters under dispute was deferred to.

The New York Times

The advisory unit also includes a somewhat unusual team as well, one that advises governments on various matters.

The New York Times

Mr. Klein has also advised a number of governments on various matters, including Britain on its bank rescue plan.

The New York Times

Of the notion that he "flip-flops" on various matters, including abortion and gun control, Mr. Gore said: "Don't you want somebody who learns from experience?

The New York Times

They complained that Mr. Von Essen, a former firefighter and union official, too often sided with the Giuliani administration in various matters.

The New York Times

"The club is taking the recent reports very seriously and the board has met at length to discuss the various matters raised," Boulous said in the statement.

The Guardian - Sport

In the 1940s, during my first decade in America, he was most kind to me in various matters, not necessarily pertaining to his profession.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "various matters", ensure the context makes it clear what kind of matters are being referred to. Add a brief descriptor if necessary to avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "various matters" as a placeholder when you could be more specific. If possible, list a few of the key matters to provide clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "various matters" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies multiple topics or points of consideration, as illustrated by Ludwig, where the phrase appears in diverse contexts to denote different subjects under discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "various matters" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that broadly references multiple topics or subjects. As noted by Ludwig, it appears in a wide array of contexts, most commonly in news, academic and business writing. While versatile, it's important to ensure sufficient context to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "various issues" or "different elements" for nuanced meanings. Ludwig confirms the phrase's widespread acceptability and offers numerous examples of its usage across authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

various issues

Replaces "matters" with "issues", focusing on problems or subjects of concern.

various subjects

Substitutes "matters" with "subjects", highlighting topics under discussion or study.

various concerns

Emphasizes aspects that cause worry or interest.

several points

Replaces "various" with "several" and "matters" with "points", reducing the vagueness and adding a dimension of structured arguments.

multiple facets

Focuses on different aspects or sides of a situation.

diverse topics

Highlights the variety of subjects being addressed.

assorted affairs

Replaces "matters" with "affairs", adding a tone of business or formality.

different elements

Emphasizes the individual components of a larger whole.

numerous items

Indicates a large quantity of distinct objects or points.

certain aspects

Highlights particular features or elements that are being considered.

FAQs

How can I use "various matters" in a sentence?

"Various matters" is used to refer to multiple subjects or issues that are being discussed or considered. For example, "The committee will discuss "various matters", including budget allocations and project timelines."

What are some alternatives to "various matters"?

You can use alternatives like "various issues", "various subjects", or "different elements" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "various matters" or "several matters"?

Both ""various matters"" and "several matters" are correct, but "various" implies a greater diversity or range than "several", which simply means more than two.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "various matters" in formal writing?

The phrase ""various matters"" is suitable for formal writing when you need to refer to a range of topics without listing them all individually. However, strive for greater specificity if possible to enhance clarity.