Sign In Get Started
Prepositions with nouns

How to use prepositions with matter

Matter appears in several fixed expressions, but not every preposition creates a standard combination.

Quick answer

Common patterns with matter

Of matter appears in scientific or philosophical phrases such as states of matter. In matters is common when discussing areas or issues. On the matter is used when referring to a topic under discussion.

Water exists in different states of matter.
She advises companies in matters of finance.
We need a decision on the matter soon.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
of matter

Scientific and formal descriptions

Of matter appears in technical or formal phrases discussing substance or physical reality.

The course covers the structure of matter.
Scientists study different states of matter.
2
in matters + field

Talking about areas of responsibility

In matters of is a common formal expression meaning in issues related to something.

She is experienced in matters of law.
The committee acts in matters of public safety.
3
on the matter

Referring to a topic under discussion

Use on the matter when giving opinions, comments, or decisions about an issue.

He refused to comment on the matter.
The board will vote on the matter tomorrow.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
of matter
Physics studies the behaviour of matter.
refers to physical substance or a formal concept
in matters of
She specialises in matters of trade law.
related to a field or area
on the matter
I have nothing more to say on the matter.
about a specific issue or topic
in matter
Colour changes in matter under pressure.
in introduces location or context, not a fixed phrase by itself

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using in matter without context

In matter alone is usually incomplete unless matter means physical substance in a scientific context.

✕ He is skilled in matter finance. ✓ He is skilled in matters of finance.

Confusing on the matter with of matter

The two phrases have different meanings.

✕ We discussed of matter yesterday. ✓ We discussed the matter yesterday.

Leaving out the article in on the matter

The article is normally required.

✕ She spoke on matter briefly. ✓ She spoke on the matter briefly.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The lawyer advises clients ___ matters of taxation.
2. The manager refused to comment ___ the matter.
3. Students learned about states ___ matter.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

Is in matters formal?

Yes. It is common in legal, business, and official English.

Can on matter be correct?

Usually the article is needed: on the matter.

What does of matter mean?

It is mainly used in scientific or philosophical contexts referring to substance or physical reality.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account