matter

problème, souci

Dans ces expressions, indique que quelque chose ne va pas ou qu’une personne est contrariée.

En anglais simple : 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.

Comment l'utiliser : 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.)

Synonymes : problem, trouble

Expressions courantes : the matter, matter with someone, matter with something

affaire, question, sujet

Sujet, situation ou tâche dont on parle ou dont on s’occupe.

En anglais simple : 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.

Comment l'utiliser : a matter of something (Keeping our promise is a matter of trust.)

Synonymes : issue, subject, affair

Expressions courantes : urgent matter, private matter, matter of importance, serious matter

en fait, à vrai dire

Dans cette expression, sert à ajouter un fait vrai, souvent surprenant.

En anglais simple : 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.

Comment l'utiliser : as a matter of fact, … (As a matter of fact, I have already finished.)

Expressions courantes : matter of fact, as a matter

matière

Ce qui constitue les choses physiques, sous forme solide, liquide ou gazeuse.

En anglais simple : 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.

Synonymes : substance, material

Expressions courantes : organic matter, solid matter, dark matter

question de temps

Dans cette expression, indique qu’une chose arrivera forcément, mais qu’il faut attendre.

En anglais simple : 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.

Comment l'utiliser : only a matter of time before … (It is only a matter of time before they find us.)

Expressions courantes : matter of time, matter of days, matter of weeks

d’ailleurs, du reste

Dans cette expression, ajoute une remarque liée à ce qui précède pour renforcer le propos.

En anglais simple : 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.

Comment l'utiliser : …, for that matter (I cannot cook, or bake, for that matter.)

Expressions courantes : for that matter, that matter

compter, importer

Avoir de l’importance ou changer quelque chose à une situation.

En anglais simple : 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.

Comment l'utiliser : matter to someone (Your opinion matters to me.); it matters whether/what/how … (It matters how you treat people.)

Synonymes : count, be important

Expressions courantes : matter to someone, really matter, matter a lot