Language Research

matter · noun

/ˈmæt̬.ər/Full view

the matter

A2 the reason for pain, worry or a problem

Dictionary examples:

What's the matter? Why are you crying?

What's the matter with your hand? It's bleeding.

Is anything the matter?

Learner example:

"What's the matter?", (Preliminary English Test; B1; Greek)

matter (SITUATION)

B2 C a subject or situation that you need to think about, discuss, or deal with

Dictionary examples:

Could I talk to you about a personal matter?

Alois denied any knowledge of the matter.

Will you call me back - it's a matter of some importance.

Talking about the world's problems is one thing, but solving them is another matter altogether.

Learner example:

On another matter, I'd like to tell your parents that they don't need to get me any present, but if they insist I'd like you to pick me a novel. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

to make matters worse

B2 to make a situation more difficult, unpleasant, etc.

Dictionary example:

To make matters worse, our car broke down!

Learner example:

To make matters worse, the newspaper said they only played for thirty-five minutes. (First Certificate in English; B2; Thai)

as a matter of fact

B2 used to emphasize that something is true, especially when it is surprising

Dictionary example:

As a matter of fact, I used to live next door to him.

Learner example:

As a matter of fact I didn't enjoy Nice much. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

no matter how/what/when, etc.

B2 used to emphasize that something cannot be changed

Dictionary example:

I never manage to lose any weight, no matter how hard I try.

Learner example:

No matter where you are [or] what you do, appar[e]ntly you need electricity. (First Certificate in English; B2; Thai)

a matter of course

C1 If something happens as a matter of course, it always happens as part of the normal process or system.

Dictionary example:

Babies were tested for the disease as a matter of course.

Learner example:

The transform[ation] has succeeded so far and caused enormous changes in ordinary life as a matter of course, including eating habits. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Korean)

it's only a matter of time

C1 If you say that it is only a matter of time before something happens, you are sure it will happen but you do not know when.

Dictionary example:

It's only a matter of time before someone gets into an accident on this road.

Learner example:

In my opinion it is only a matter of time before it is decided to [put] an end to this country being a kingdom. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Dutch)

be no laughing matter

C2 If a subject is no laughing matter, it is serious and not something that people should joke about.

Dictionary example:

Being late for a job interview is no laughing matter.

Learner example:

Anna and Tom knew this was no laughing matter. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

a matter of confidence/luck/waiting, etc.

C2 If something is a matter of confidence/luck/waiting, etc., that is what you need for it to happen.

Dictionary example:

Learning languages is just a matter of hard work.

Learner example:

His success wasn't a matter of luck, it was a matter of knowing [his] aims in life and being very persist[e]nt, too. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

matter (TYPE OF THING)

C2 U a particular type of substance or thing

Dictionary examples:

vegetable matter

printed matter

Learner example:

As compared to audio-visual aids, books have the advantage of causing less strain to the eyes and mind as printed matter is easier to read than reading from a screen. (International English Language Testing System; C2; Hindi)

a matter of life and death

C2 a serious situation where people could die

Dictionary example:

Getting water to these people is a matter of life and death.

Learner example:

I told him it was a matter of life and death. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

a matter of days/weeks/feet, etc.

C2 a very small amount or period of time

Dictionary example:

In a matter of seconds, the building was in flames.

Learner example:

I decided to relax - knowing a little bit about boats myself I was sure there was a radio [on board] so it would be only a matter of hours before someone would come to rescue us, wouldn't it? (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

matter · verb I

/ˈmæt̬.ər/

matter

A2 to be important, or to affect what happens

Dictionary examples:

We were late but it didn't seem to matter.

"What did you say?" "Oh, it doesn't matter."

It doesn't matter what you wear - just as long as you come.

I know Charles doesn't think this project is important, but it matters to me.

Learner example:

Dear Ally, It doesn't matter. (Key English Test; A2; French)