matter
A1Neutral to formal. Used across all registers, but specific collocations can be formal (e.g., 'a matter of record') or technical (e.g., 'organic matter').
Definition
Meaning
Physical substance that occupies space and has mass; the material of which things are composed.
An affair, situation, or subject under consideration, discussion, or requiring attention.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Its meaning is highly dependent on context. As a noun, it spans the concrete (physical substance) and abstract (topic of concern). The verb is stative, expressing importance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. The phrase 'what's the matter?' is equally common. British English may use 'grey matter' slightly more idiomatically. No spelling variations.
Connotations
Similar connotations. The phrase 'matter of fact' can sound more formal, especially in legal contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties. The interrogative 'What's the matter?' is a fixed phrase of equal frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It doesn't matter [to someone] [if/when/what, etc.]The matter [with someone/something]What matters is [that-clause/NP]A matter of [NP (time, principle, opinion)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as a matter of course”
- “a matter of life and death”
- “no laughing matter”
- “for that matter”
- “a matter of opinion”
- “be another/a different matter”
- “as a matter of fact”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We'll need to discuss the staffing matter at the next board meeting."
Academic
"The decay of organic matter releases carbon into the soil."
Everyday
"What's the matter? You look upset."
Technical
"Dark matter is hypothesized to account for gravitational effects not explained by visible matter."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- It doesn't matter if we're a bit late.
- Your opinion matters a great deal to me.
- The score is close, so every point matters.
American English
- Does it matter which route we take?
- What matters most is your health.
- The colour doesn't really matter to me.
adverb
British English
- As a matter of fact, I was just about to call you.
- Matter-of-factly, she listed the reasons for her resignation.
American English
- I don't mind, as a matter of fact, I prefer it.
- He stated matter-of-factly that the project would fail.
adjective
British English
- This is a matter-of-fact statement, not an opinion.
- She gave a very matter-of-fact account of the accident.
American English
- His tone was matter-of-fact and businesslike.
- She answered in a matter-of-fact way, showing no emotion.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- What's the matter?
- It doesn't matter.
- This book is about space and matter.
- We need to talk about an important matter.
- Is anything the matter? You're very quiet.
- The letter discussed financial matters.
- The crux of the matter is a lack of funding.
- It's a straightforward matter of checking the data.
- As a matter of principle, I cannot agree.
- The attorney advised that it was a matter for the courts.
- Decomposition of plant matter enriches the soil.
- Whether it's feasible is a completely different matter.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MATTER' as the 'MATerial' in the cenTER of everything. Both the physical stuff and the central issue.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/ISSUES ARE OBJECTS/SUBSTANCES (e.g., 'get to the heart of the matter', 'dissect the matter', 'the subject matter').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'it doesn't matter' literally as 'оно не материя'. Use 'это неважно' or 'не имеет значения'.
- The noun 'matter' as a 'topic' is often best translated as 'вопрос' or 'дело', not 'материя'.
- 'A matter of...' phrases are often formulaic and require learning: 'a matter of time' = 'вопрос времени'.
Common Mistakes
- *It is matter. (Correct: It is a matter / It matters.)
- *What is matter with you? (Correct: What is the matter with you?)
- *This is a matter for to discuss. (Correct: This is a matter to discuss / for discussion.)
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'It's no laughing matter', what does 'matter' most closely mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both. As 'physical substance', it's uncountable (e.g., 'organic matter'). As 'an affair or topic', it's countable (e.g., 'several matters to discuss').
'Matter' is neutral, a topic for consideration. An 'issue' is often a matter open to debate or dispute. A 'problem' is a matter causing difficulty, requiring a solution.
It's a stative verb, usually used in questions and negatives ('Does it matter?', 'It doesn't matter'). It means 'to be of importance'. The subject is often 'it' or a thing/idea.
No. The correct fixed phrase is 'as a matter of fact'. The article 'a' is required. It's used to emphasize that a statement is true, often contradicting an assumption.