Introduction
Good writing is more than using correct grammar. It is also about choosing the right words and phrases to make your ideas clear. Writers, students, and English learners often struggle with small expressions that seem similar but have different meanings. One common example is deciding whether to say “on this matter” or “in this matter.”
Learning the difference helps you communicate more naturally in school assignments, business emails, conversations, and creative writing. It also improves your vocabulary, writing skills, and confidence. Just as figurative language, descriptive language, similes, metaphors, and other literary devices make writing more colorful, choosing the correct preposition makes your writing more accurate and professional.
This guide explains the difference in simple words. You will learn the meaning of each phrase, when to use it, common mistakes, sentence examples, comparison tables, writing tips, and practice exercises. By the end, you will know exactly which expression fits different situations.
Understanding the Difference
Although both expressions contain the word matter, they are not used in the same way.
- On this matter means about this topic, issue, or subject.
- In this matter means within this situation, case, or legal issue.
The difference depends on whether you are talking about a topic or inside a specific situation or case.
Simple Rule
PhraseMeaningBest UseOn this matterAbout this topicDiscussions, opinions, conversationsIn this matterWithin this case or situationLegal, formal, official contexts
Remember this easy trick:
- Think about → use on this matter.
- Think inside a case → use in this matter.
Meaning of “On This Matter”
This phrase introduces a topic that someone is discussing or giving an opinion about.
It often appears when people:
- share advice
- express opinions
- discuss problems
- explain decisions
- write formal emails
Sentence Examples
- I agree with you on this matter.
- We need more information on this matter.
- The teacher shared her opinion on this matter.
- Experts disagree on this matter.
- Everyone should remain calm on this matter.
Common Situations
- Classroom discussions
- Essays
- Business meetings
- News reports
- Everyday conversations
This expression sounds natural whenever you are talking about a subject.
Meaning of “In This Matter”
This phrase usually refers to a particular case, issue, or situation.
It is more formal and is common in legal and official writing.
Sentence Examples
- The judge will decide in this matter.
- The company cannot comment further in this matter.
- The lawyer represented the family in this matter.
- We have no authority in this matter.
- The committee will investigate in this matter.
Notice that these examples describe actions happening within a specific case or official situation.
Quick Comparison Table
SituationCorrect ChoiceExampleGiving an opinionOn this matterI agree on this matter.Discussing a topicOn this matterScientists disagree on this matter.Talking about a legal caseIn this matterThe court ruled in this matter.Official investigationIn this matterPolice are working in this matter.General conversationOn this matterWhat’s your opinion on this matter?Court documentIn this matterEvidence was presented in this matter.
When to Use Each Expression
Choosing the correct phrase becomes easier when you know the situation.
Use “On This Matter”
Choose this phrase when:
- discussing an issue
- sharing ideas
- expressing agreement
- asking questions
- giving advice
Examples:
- What do you think on this matter?
- My parents disagree on this matter.
- The report gives useful information on this matter.
- Experts continue their research on this matter.
- I have nothing more to say on this matter.
Use “In This Matter”
Choose this phrase when referring to:
- court cases
- legal documents
- investigations
- official decisions
- formal proceedings
Examples:
- The court reached a decision in this matter.
- The officer is responsible in this matter.
- We cannot interfere in this matter.
- The company has acted fairly in this matter.
- Everyone involved in this matter will be interviewed.
Common Mistakes English Learners Make
Many learners mix these expressions because both use the word matter.
Mistake 1
❌ I agree in this matter.
✅ I agree on this matter.
Agreement is about a topic.
Mistake 2
❌ The judge ruled on this matter.
While possible in some contexts, legal writing usually prefers:
✅ The judge ruled in this matter.
Mistake 3
❌ We discussed in this matter.
✅ We discussed this matter.
or
✅ We talked on this matter.
Mistake 4
Using both expressions interchangeably.
Each phrase has its own purpose.
Mistake 5
Translating directly from another language.
Many languages use one preposition for several situations, but English changes the preposition depending on meaning.
Comparison Examples in Real-Life Situations
School
Correct:
The students shared ideas on this matter.
Incorrect:
The students shared ideas in this matter.
Office
Correct:
The manager gave instructions on this matter.
Court
Correct:
The lawyer presented evidence in this matter.
Family Discussion
Correct:
Everyone had a different opinion on this matter.
Government
Correct:
The ministry released a statement on this matter.
If referring to a legal investigation:
The ministry is cooperating in this matter.
Figurative Language and Creative Writing Connections
Although these phrases themselves are not examples of figurative language, they often appear alongside creative writing and descriptive language.
Good writers know that grammar and creativity work together.
Adding literary devices makes writing more engaging while correct grammar keeps it clear.
Simile Example
Her patience was like a strong bridge during the discussion on this matter.
Metaphor Example
The debate became a storm on this matter.
Personification Example
The problem refused to disappear on this matter.
Hyperbole Example
We argued about it for a million years on this matter.
Imagery Example
The quiet room filled with thoughtful voices on this matter.
Using descriptive language together with correct grammar creates stronger writing.
Tone Usage in Different Writing Styles
Different situations require different tones.
Formal Tone
- The committee has reviewed all evidence in this matter.
- We appreciate your cooperation on this matter.
Professional Tone
- Thank you for your patience on this matter.
- Please contact us regarding this matter.
Academic Tone
- Researchers have different opinions on this matter.
- Scholars continue their studies on this matter.
Friendly Tone
- What’s your opinion on this matter?
- Let’s talk more on this matter tomorrow.
Choosing the right tone improves communication.
Writing Skills and Vocabulary Enhancement
Learning small grammar differences helps improve overall writing.
Good writers:
- choose precise words
- avoid repeating mistakes
- understand context
- use natural sentence patterns
- build stronger vocabulary
Related vocabulary includes:
- issue
- subject
- topic
- concern
- case
- discussion
- question
- dispute
- argument
- situation
- circumstance
- investigation
- proceeding
- opinion
- viewpoint
These words make writing richer without repeating the same terms.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1
Choose the correct phrase.
- The lawyer presented new evidence _____.
Answer:
in this matter
- I agree with you _____.
Answer:
on this matter
- Scientists continue debating _____.
Answer:
on this matter
- The judge made a final decision _____.
Answer:
in this matter
- The teacher shared her opinion _____.
Answer:
on this matter
Exercise 2
Correct the mistakes.
Incorrect:
I agree in this matter.
Correct:
I agree on this matter.
Incorrect:
The police are investigating on this matter.
Correct:
The police are investigating in this matter.
Exercise 3
Fill in the blanks.
- We have different opinions ________.
Answer:
on this matter
- The court has spoken ________.
Answer:
in this matter
Tips to Remember Forever
Here are easy memory tricks.
Remember “About”
If you can replace the phrase with about this topic, choose on this matter.
Example:
We talked about this topic.
↓
We talked on this matter.
Remember “Inside”
If you mean inside a case or situation, choose in this matter.
Example:
The judge acted inside the case.
↓
The judge acted in this matter.
Think of Formality
Legal writing usually prefers:
- in this matter
General discussion usually prefers:
- on this matter
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which expression is more common?
On this matter is more common in everyday English because people often discuss topics and opinions.
2. Is in this matter only used in legal English?
Mostly, yes. It appears frequently in legal, government, and formal documents, but it may also be used in official workplace communication.
3. Can both expressions sometimes be correct?
Sometimes both may appear in similar situations, but the meaning changes slightly. One refers to discussing a topic, while the other refers to involvement within a case or situation.
4. Which expression should students use in essays?
When discussing ideas or opinions, on this matter is usually the better choice.
5. How can I remember the difference?
Think of this simple formula:
- On = about a topic
- In = inside a case
This memory trick works in almost every situation.
Conclusion
Choosing between on this matter and in this matter becomes simple once you understand the purpose of each phrase. Use on this matter when discussing a topic, expressing an opinion, or talking about an issue. Use in this matter when referring to a legal case, official investigation, or formal situation.
Mastering small grammar differences like these greatly improves your writing, speaking, and reading skills. Whether you are writing essays, preparing business emails, learning English, or creating stories filled with descriptive language, similes, metaphors, and other literary devices, correct grammar helps your message sound natural and professional.
The more you practice these expressions in real sentences, the easier they become. Over time, choosing the right phrase will feel automatic, making your communication clearer, stronger, and more confident.