weighty matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"weighty matter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in formal writing when you want to refer to a problem or issue that is significant and important. For example, "We need to take this weighty matter into consideration before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"This is an incredibly weighty matter," the official said.

The New York Times

How did they produce so much weighty matter amid all the romping and frolicking?

The New York Times - Books

Viewers are asked to debate this weighty matter (and have done so).

The New York Times

With sublime indifference to the weighty matter at hand, he reasons: "I have been drinking all night.

The New York Times

Sometimes, strangers will write to me to report that I've altered their opinion or attitude regarding some weighty matter.

The Economist

"An investigation of a sitting governor of New York is a complex, weighty matter indeed," Mr. Cuomo said in a conference call with reporters on Thursday afternoon.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Under Levitsky's brush, the weighty subject matter was transformed into a splendid imperial display, portraying Catherine more as a personification of empresshood than a living person.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Competently crafted and well acted, but trivial despite weighty subject matter, these plays, like that Scotch, go down smooth, with almost no aftertaste.

The New Yorker

It's macabre but comic, demonstrating a deftness with which Cardboard Computer handle weighty subject matter.

Vice

Slant Magazine called it "contrived ... for all the so-called weighty subject matter, there's not much meat on these bones".

Wikipedia

But enough of weighty matters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weighty matter" when you want to convey the seriousness and importance of an issue, especially in formal or professional contexts. It signals that the topic requires careful consideration and thoughtful action.

Common error

Avoid using "weighty matter" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formality can sound stilted or overly dramatic in relaxed settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "important issue" or "serious problem".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "weighty matter" is that of a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it often refers to significant issues that require careful thought and consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weighty matter" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that effectively conveys the seriousness and importance of a topic. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist. While common in news and media, it's best reserved for formal and professional contexts to avoid sounding overly dramatic in casual settings. Alternatives such as "significant issue" or "serious concern" can offer a more accessible tone when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant issue

Focuses on the importance and potential impact of the problem.

serious concern

Highlights the worrying or troubling aspect of the matter.

important consideration

Emphasizes the need to carefully think about and address the subject.

grave problem

Implies a severe and potentially dangerous situation.

critical point

Indicates that the matter is essential and decisive.

momentous question

Highlights the importance and far-reaching consequences of the inquiry.

substantial issue

Emphasizes the large scale or significant impact of the topic.

considerable concern

Highlights the level of worry or unease associated with a subject.

major problem

Indicates the large scale or severity of an issue.

significant subject

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and importance of the topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "weighty matter" to refer to a significant problem or issue that needs careful consideration. For example: "The board convened to discuss this "serious matter" in detail".

What's a less formal way to say "weighty matter"?

Less formal alternatives to "weighty matter" include "important issue", "serious problem", or "big deal", depending on the specific context.

Is "weighty matter" appropriate for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "weighty matter" is generally more suited for formal settings. In casual conversation, consider using simpler phrases like "serious issue" or "important thing".

What is the difference between "weighty matter" and "serious issue"?

"Weighty matter" tends to imply a greater level of formality and significance compared to "serious issue", which is more commonly used in everyday language.