Cool MateMatter vs There's an issue
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Matter
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
There's an issue
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Matter
| Matter | There's an issue | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmætə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmætər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðeəz ən ˈɪʃuː//🇺🇸 //ðɛrz ən ˈɪʃu// |
| Meaning | A subject or issue that needs to be discussed or considered. | There is a problem. |
| Example | Does it really matter what others think of you? | There's an issue with the report that needs to be addressed. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | important, pressing, serious, bring up, broach, raise, be related to, pertain to, relate to, in a/the matter, on a/the matter, matter for, the crux of the matter, the heart of the matter, let the matter drop, complicate, confuse, make worse, solid, organic, vegetable, solid, organic, vegetable | raise an issue, address an issue, discuss an issue, identify an issue, resolve an issue |
| Antonyms | trifle, insignificance | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'matter' with 'material' — they have different meanings., Using 'mattered' instead of 'matter' in present tense situations., Overusing 'matter' in every situation — it’s better for specific contexts. | Omitting 'there's' and using only 'an issue' which sounds incomplete., Using more casual language which may not fit the context., Confusing 'issue' with 'problem' in formal contexts. |
| Usage notes | Used when something is important or relevant to someone. More common in informal contexts when discussing personal feelings or opinions. Avoid using it in very formal writing. | Commonly used in discussions or meetings to address problems. Avoid in very informal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Matter vs There's an issue
What's the difference between Matter and There's an issue?
Matter: A subject or issue that needs to be discussed or considered. There's an issue: There is a problem.
Which is more common: Matter and There's an issue?
Matter is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Matter: Does it really matter what others think of you? There's an issue: There's an issue with the report that needs to be addressed.
Can I use Matter and There's an issue interchangeably?
Not always. Matter and There's an issue are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.