matter

problema

In queste espressioni, indica che qualcosa non va o che qualcuno è turbato.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: 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.)

Sinonimi: problem, trouble

Espressioni comuni: the matter, matter with someone, matter with something

questione, faccenda

Argomento, situazione o compito di cui si parla o che bisogna affrontare.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: a matter of something (Keeping our promise is a matter of trust.)

Sinonimi: issue, subject, affair

Espressioni comuni: urgent matter, private matter, matter of importance, serious matter

in effetti, a dire il vero

In questa espressione, introduce un fatto vero che spesso sorprende chi ascolta.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: as a matter of fact, … (As a matter of fact, I have already finished.)

Espressioni comuni: matter of fact, as a matter

materia

Sostanza di cui sono fatte le cose, in forma solida, liquida o gassosa.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Sinonimi: substance, material

Espressioni comuni: organic matter, solid matter, dark matter

questione di tempo

In questa espressione, indica che qualcosa accadrà certamente, basta aspettare.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: only a matter of time before … (It is only a matter of time before they find us.)

Espressioni comuni: matter of time, matter of days, matter of weeks

del resto, peraltro

In questa espressione, aggiunge un altro punto collegato che sostiene quanto appena detto.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: …, for that matter (I cannot cook, or bake, for that matter.)

Espressioni comuni: for that matter, that matter

importare, contare

Essere importante o fare la differenza in una situazione.

In inglese semplice: 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.

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

Sinonimi: count, be important

Espressioni comuni: matter to someone, really matter, matter a lot