matter

In these expressions, something is wrong or someone is upset.

• What is the matter?
• Nothing is the matter with me.
• She could see that something was the matter.

How to use it: what is the matter with someone/something? (What is the matter with your phone?); something is the matter with someone/something (Something is the matter with my knee.)

Similar words: problem, trouble

Common phrases: the matter, matter with someone, matter with something

A subject, situation, or task that people discuss or deal with.

• We need to discuss this matter.
• Please deal with urgent matters first.
• How we spend our money is a private matter.

How to use it: a matter of something (Keeping our promise is a matter of trust.)

Similar words: issue, subject, affair

Common phrases: urgent matter, private matter, matter of importance, serious matter

In this expression, you add a true fact, often one that surprises someone.

• As a matter of fact, I know her.
• He is not poor; as a matter of fact, he owns three houses.
• As a matter of fact, we met yesterday.

How to use it: as a matter of fact, … (As a matter of fact, I have already finished.)

Common phrases: matter of fact, as a matter

The physical stuff that things are made of, including solids, liquids, and gases.

• All matter has mass.
• Dead leaves add organic matter to the soil.
• Scientists study how matter changes when heated.

Similar words: substance, material

Common phrases: organic matter, solid matter, dark matter

In this expression, something will certainly happen after enough time has passed.

• It is only a matter of time.
• Her recovery is now a matter of weeks.
• It was only a matter of time before the old car broke down.

How to use it: only a matter of time before … (It is only a matter of time before they find us.)

Common phrases: matter of time, matter of days, matter of weeks

In this expression, you add another related point that supports what you just said.

• I do not like tea, or coffee, for that matter.
• He never calls, or writes, for that matter.
• She could lead this team, or the whole company, for that matter.

How to use it: …, for that matter (I cannot cook, or bake, for that matter.)

Common phrases: for that matter, that matter

If something has importance or makes a difference, it has this quality.

• Your happiness matters.
• Does the colour matter to you?
• It did not matter that we were late.

How to use it: matter to someone (Your opinion matters to me.); it matters whether/what/how … (It matters how you treat people.)

Similar words: count, be important

Common phrases: matter to someone, really matter, matter a lot