Cool MateMatter vs That's an issue
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Matter
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
That's an issue
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Matter
| Matter | That's an issue | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmætə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmætər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ən ˈɪʃuː//🇺🇸 //ðæts ən ˈɪʃu// |
| Meaning | A subject or issue that needs to be discussed or considered. | It's a problem or concern. |
| Example | Does it really matter what others think of you? | That's an issue we need to resolve before the project deadline. |
| 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 | address an issue, report an issue, identify an issue, resolve an issue, discuss 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. | Using 'issue' interchangeably with 'problem' without context., Saying 'that's issues' instead of 'that's an issue'., Overusing this phrase in positive 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. | Use this phrase to point out a problem during discussions. It works well in both formal meetings and casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Matter vs That's an issue
What's the difference between Matter and That's an issue?
Matter: A subject or issue that needs to be discussed or considered. That's an issue: It's a problem or concern.
Which is more common: Matter and That'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? That's an issue: That's an issue we need to resolve before the project deadline.
Can I use Matter and That's an issue interchangeably?
Not always. Matter and That'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.