matter of course: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “matter of course” mean?
Something that is done or happens automatically, without needing special thought or attention, because it is the normal or expected procedure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Something that is done or happens automatically, without needing special thought or attention, because it is the normal or expected procedure.
An outcome or action that is so routine, predictable, or logically inevitable given the circumstances that it is taken for granted.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the phrase identically in meaning and structure.
Connotations
Slightly more bureaucratic or procedural connotation in British English; slightly more casual/conversational use possible in American English.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English, particularly in formal/administrative contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “matter of course” in a Sentence
It is/was a matter of course that + CLAUSESOMEONE does something as a matter of courseSOMETHING follows as a matter of courseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “matter of course” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He accepted the decision matter-of-course.
American English
- She handled the complaint matter-of-course.
adjective
British English
- A matter-of-course attitude
American English
- A matter-of-course procedure
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In business, a security check on new clients is often done as a matter of course.
Academic
In academic publishing, peer review is considered a matter of course for reputable journals.
Everyday
Saying 'please' and 'thank you' should be a matter of course in daily interactions.
Technical
In software development, running unit tests before a commit should be a matter of course.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matter of course”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matter of course”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matter of course”
- Using 'matter of fact' interchangeably (which deals with reality, not routine).
- Incorrect preposition: 'matter for course'.
- Using it as an adjective without 'a' (e.g., 'It was matter of course').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Matter of course' refers to something routine or automatic. 'Matter of fact' refers to something true, factual, or unemotional ('as a matter of fact...').
Yes, but usually hyphenated ('matter-of-course'). Example: 'a matter-of-course response' means a routine, automatic response.
The phrase is most commonly used in the pattern '[verb] as a matter of course' (e.g., 'do as a matter of course', 'accept as a matter of course').
It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly acceptable in professional and academic writing but might sound slightly stiff in very casual conversation.
Something that is done or happens automatically, without needing special thought or attention, because it is the normal or expected procedure.
Matter of course: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmætər əv ˈkɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmæt̬ər əv ˈkɔːrs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take something as read”
- “Go without saying”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'course' (a path or route). A 'matter of course' is simply something found on the standard path—you don't need to look for it, it's just there.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROCEDURES ARE PATHS (The standard procedure is the well-trodden, expected path; deviation requires conscious effort.)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'matter of course' correctly?