Cool MateConcern vs Matter
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Concern
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Matter
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Concern | Matter | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈsɜːn/","/kənˈsɜːnz/","/kənˈsɜːnd/","/kənˈsɜːnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈsɜːrn/","/kənˈsɜːrnz/","/kənˈsɜːrnd/","/kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmætə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmætər/"]/ |
| Meaning | a worry or issue | A subject or issue that needs to be discussed or considered. |
| Example | The news of the accident caused great concern among the community. | Does it really matter what others think of you? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | directly, mainly, mostly, in, directly, mainly, mostly, in, a lot, greatly, really | 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 |
| Antonyms | indifference, apathy | trifle, insignificance |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'concern' as a noun and verb., Using 'concern to' instead of 'concern with' or 'about'., Mistaking 'concern' for 'care' in certain contexts. | 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. |
| Usage notes | Used in both spoken and written language. Can express personal feelings or formal issues. Avoid using in overly casual conversations. | 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: Concern vs Matter
What's the difference between Concern and Matter?
Concern: a worry or issue Matter: A subject or issue that needs to be discussed or considered.
Which is more advanced: Concern and Matter?
Concern is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Concern and Matter the same CEFR level?
Concern: B2, Matter: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Concern and Matter?
Concern: verb, Matter: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Concern: The news of the accident caused great concern among the community. Matter: Does it really matter what others think of you?
Can I use Concern and Matter interchangeably?
Not always. Concern and Matter 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.