whatever matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whatever matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to anything that is important or significant in a given context. Example: "In the end, we should focus on whatever matters most to our team and our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Whatever matters of substance are at stake will have been buried under an avalanche of personalities and predictions," the writer observes.

The New York Times

It was hard to ignore how Thomas repeatedly turned the Marbury issue into a Garden version of Las Vegas omerta: "Whatever matters we have in-house, we'll keep in-house".

The New York Times

If we do not see this, he writes, it is only because we are in the grip of a prejudice—"that whatever matters about my mind must depend solely on what goes on inside my own biological skin-bag, inside the ancient fortress of skin and skull".

The New Yorker

I think Korsgaard's position here is that I cannot see any value in any particular practical identity as such: for, to do so would mean being committed to realism, to thinking that being a father, an Englishman, a university lecturer or whatever matters as such; or (in a way that is in the end equally realist), it matters because of the intrinsically valuable things it leads you to do.

SEP

Whatever matters most to you, it all leads to sustainable happiness.

Huffington Post

"Getzy came down right away and tried to pick me up and told me whatever matters now is the next shot," Andersen said.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

She expects her clients to conduct themselves with integrity, but she is unconcerned with the decisions they made prior to whatever matter brought them her way.

The New Yorker

He just kept on being involved in whatever mattered most, zeroing in on particular regions of his drum kit and reshuffling rhythms, inventing percussive patterns that helped move jazz away from typical swing.

The New York Times - Arts

She tends to leave out information crucial to an understanding of whatever matter she's just taken up; her paragraphs don't so much segue as skip onto and off the page, like the fast-playing, quickly changed records on a nineteen-twenties Victrola.

The New Yorker

"Sir," she at length spoke, "we are not yet introduced, but I can divine from your aspect a desire for swift resolution of whatever matter has brought you here, and can say that such dispatch in every way accords with my own sentiments on the issue.

The New York Times - Books

We intend that they be deceived, about whatever matter it is, on the basis of their being deceived about our belief in this matter.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whatever matters" to emphasize flexibility or open-endedness, allowing for varied interpretations of importance depending on the specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "whatever matters" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound too casual or vague. Opt for more precise language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whatever matters" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces an element of unspecified importance and allows for flexibility in interpretation, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whatever matters" is a grammatically correct and common way to refer to important aspects or considerations in a given context. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is suitable for various settings, with slight variations in formality. While versatile, it’s crucial to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and to choose more precise language for highly formal situations. Common alternatives include phrases like "whatever is important" or "whatever is relevant", depending on the specific meaning you aim to convey. The phrase sees frequent usage in News & Media and Science, suggesting a broad applicability across diverse communication domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Whatever is of consequence

Replaces "matters" with a more formal phrase, "is of consequence", emphasizing significance.

Whatever holds importance

Uses "holds importance" instead of "matters", slightly shifting the emphasis to the act of holding value.

Whatever is relevant

Focuses specifically on relevance, narrowing the scope from general importance.

Whatever is significant

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of something, making it stand out.

Whatever counts

Uses a more informal verb, "counts", to convey importance in a practical sense.

Whatever takes precedence

Highlights prioritization, suggesting that certain things are more important than others.

Anything that is important

Replaces "whatever" with "anything that", making the phrase more explicit and less flexible.

Everything that is crucial

Stresses the essential nature of something, indicating it's indispensable.

All that is of value

Highlights the inherent worth of something, suggesting it possesses intrinsic merit.

All things of consequence

Expresses importance in formal way.

FAQs

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

You can use "whatever matters" to refer to the most important aspects of a situation. For example, "Focus on "whatever matters" to the client to ensure satisfaction".

What can I say instead of "whatever matters"?

Alternatives to "whatever matters" include "whatever is important", "whatever is relevant", or "whatever is significant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "whatever matters most"?

Yes, "whatever matters most" is a grammatically correct and commonly used variation of "whatever matters". It emphasizes the prioritization of certain elements over others.

What's the difference between "whatever matters" and "everything matters"?

"Whatever matters" implies a selection or prioritization of certain things, while "everything matters" suggests that all aspects are equally important. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize focus or comprehensiveness.