Choosing between on this matter and in this matter may seem like a small grammar decision, but it can significantly affect the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Both phrases appear in emails, business discussions, legal documents, and everyday conversations. Because they both include the words this matter, many English learners and even native speakers occasionally confuse them.
The good news is that the difference is straightforward once you understand the role of the prepositions on and in. Generally, on this matter is used when discussing, commenting on, or giving an opinion about a topic. In this matter, on the other hand, refers to involvement in or relation to a specific issue, case, investigation, or formal situation.
Whether you’re writing a professional email, preparing a legal document, or simply trying to improve your English, knowing when to use on this matter vs. in this matter will help you communicate more naturally and confidently. This guide explains the differences in simple language, provides practical examples, highlights common mistakes, and shows you how native English speakers use these expressions in real life.
Read More: Rather Than vs Instead Of: Meaning and Differences
Quick Answer: On This Matter vs. In This Matter
If you’re looking for the simplest explanation, remember this:
- On this matter = discussing, commenting, advising, or expressing an opinion about something.
- In this matter = referring to involvement within a particular case, issue, dispute, investigation, or official situation.
For example:
- I’d like to share my opinion on this matter. ✅
- The court has not yet reached a decision in this matter. ✅
Although both phrases refer to the same topic, the first sentence focuses on discussion, while the second focuses on participation or circumstances within a formal issue.
The Main Difference at a Glance
| Feature | On This Matter | In This Matter |
| Main Meaning | Discussing or commenting about something | Referring to a case, issue, or formal situation |
| Tone | Neutral to professional | Formal and official |
| Common Use | Emails, meetings, conversations | Legal documents, official letters, investigations |
| Focus | Opinion or discussion | Involvement or context |
| Everyday Usage | Very common | Less common outside formal settings |
Quick Tip: If you’re giving your thoughts, use on this matter. If you’re referring to a case or official issue, use in this matter.
What Does “On This Matter” Mean?
The phrase on this matter means about this topic, issue, or subject. It introduces comments, advice, opinions, explanations, or discussions related to something.
In modern English, especially in workplaces and professional communication, on this matter is much more common than in this matter.
Definition of “On This Matter”
On this matter means:
Regarding this issue, topic, or subject under discussion.
The preposition on often introduces the subject of communication.
Examples:
- We need your opinion on this matter.
- I’d like to speak on this matter.
- Do you have any suggestions on this matter?
Each sentence focuses on discussing the issue rather than being involved in it.
When Native English Speakers Use It
Native speakers frequently use on this matter in both spoken and written English.
You’ll hear it in:
- Business meetings
- Workplace emails
- Academic discussions
- Customer support conversations
- News interviews
- Public speeches
For example:
The manager asked everyone to provide feedback on this matter before Friday.
This sounds natural because the manager wants opinions, not legal involvement.
Common Situations Where It Sounds Natural
You should use on this matter whenever you’re talking about an issue.
Common situations include:
- Giving advice
- Asking for opinions
- Explaining a decision
- Making recommendations
- Sharing concerns
- Discussing policies
- Responding to questions
For example:
We’d appreciate your thoughts on this matter.
Examples in Everyday English
Here are some examples that sound natural in everyday conversation.
- What’s your opinion on this matter?
- I completely agree with you on this matter.
- We discussed several ideas on this matter yesterday.
- She has extensive experience on this matter.
- The professor gave an interesting lecture on this matter.
- Our team hasn’t reached an agreement on this matter yet.
- Please keep me informed on this matter.
- I’d like to hear everyone’s views on this matter.
- The committee will vote on this matter tomorrow.
- Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this matter.
Notice how every sentence involves communication or discussion.
Common Collocations with “On This Matter”
Certain words frequently appear with on this matter.
| Common Expression | Example |
| Opinion on this matter | I value your opinion on this matter. |
| Advice on this matter | She offered useful advice on this matter. |
| Comments on this matter | We’d appreciate your comments on this matter. |
| Thoughts on this matter | Please share your thoughts on this matter. |
| Decision on this matter | The board reached a decision on this matter. |
| Discussion on this matter | Our discussion on this matter lasted two hours. |
Learning these combinations will help your English sound more fluent and natural.
What Does “In This Matter” Mean?
Unlike on this matter, the phrase in this matter refers to being involved in, related to, or acting within a particular issue, dispute, legal case, or official proceeding.
This expression appears much more often in formal writing than in everyday conversation.
Definition of “In This Matter”
In this matter means:
Within this particular case, issue, proceeding, or situation.
The preposition in emphasizes participation or context rather than discussion.
For example:
- The attorney represents the client in this matter.
- No further evidence was submitted in this matter.
These sentences relate to an official case rather than opinions.
Why It Is More Formal
Legal professionals, government agencies, and corporations frequently use in this matter because it sounds precise and objective.
You’ll often find it in:
- Court documents
- Contracts
- Official correspondence
- Government notices
- Compliance reports
- Investigation summaries
For example:
We are unable to provide additional information in this matter until the investigation is complete.
This sentence refers to an active investigation rather than a discussion.
Common Legal and Professional Uses
The phrase is especially common in legal English.
Examples include:
- In this legal matter
- In this dispute
- In this proceeding
- In this investigation
- In this complaint
- In this arbitration
Business professionals also use it when referring to formal processes.
Example:
The company has appointed an independent advisor in this matter.
Examples in Formal Writing
These examples illustrate correct usage.
- The court has issued its ruling in this matter.
- Both parties agreed to cooperate in this matter.
- The investigation remains ongoing in this matter.
- We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
- Additional documentation is required in this matter.
- The judge will hear further arguments in this matter next week.
- Our legal department is handling all communications in this matter.
- No employee may comment publicly in this matter.
- The regulator requested further evidence in this matter.
- All correspondence in this matter should be sent to our office.
Notice that each example involves an official process or formal responsibility rather than an opinion.
On This Matter vs. In This Matter: Side-by-Side Comparison
Although these expressions share similar wording, they serve different purposes.
Understanding those differences helps you choose the correct phrase every time.
Meaning Comparison
The biggest difference lies in the relationship between the speaker and the issue.
- On this matter focuses on discussion.
- In this matter focuses on participation or involvement.
For example:
✔ I’d like to comment on this matter.
✔ Our legal team is acting in this matter.
One sentence expresses an opinion.
The other describes involvement.
Tone and Formality
| Situation | Better Choice |
| Team meeting | On this matter |
| Workplace email | On this matter |
| Customer service response | On this matter |
| Legal notice | In this matter |
| Court document | In this matter |
| Government letter | In this matter |
As a general rule, on this matter sounds more conversational and versatile, while in this matter carries a formal, legal, or administrative tone.
Which Phrase Is More Common?
In modern English, on this matter appears far more often in everyday communication.
You are likely to hear it in:
- Meetings
- Emails
- Phone calls
- Interviews
- Classroom discussions
- Business presentations
By contrast, in this matter is largely reserved for:
- Legal writing
- Government communication
- Corporate compliance
- Official investigations
- Formal reports
Understanding this distinction helps your writing sound more natural and appropriate for the context.
FAQs
What is the difference between on this matter and in this matter?
The main difference is their purpose. On this matter is used when discussing, commenting on, or expressing an opinion about a topic. In this matter is used when referring to involvement in a specific case, issue, investigation, or formal situation.
For example:
- I’d like to share my opinion on this matter. ✅
- The court has reached a decision in this matter. ✅
Is on this matter grammatically correct?
Yes. On this matter is completely grammatically correct and is widely used in everyday English, business communication, emails, meetings, and professional discussions. It naturally means “about this issue” or “regarding this topic.”
Is in this matter only used in legal English?
No. Although in this matter is most common in legal documents and official correspondence, it also appears in business, government, corporate, and administrative writing. It is appropriate whenever you’re referring to participation or action within a formal issue or situation.
Which phrase is more common in business emails?
In most business emails, on this matter is the better choice because it sounds natural and conversational while remaining professional.
For example:
- Please let me know your thoughts on this matter.
- I would appreciate your feedback on this matter.
However, legal departments and compliance teams may use in this matter when referring to an official case or investigation.
Can on this matter and in this matter be used interchangeably?
Not usually. Although they refer to the same general topic, they express different meanings.
- Use on this matter when discussing or giving an opinion.
- Use in this matter when referring to involvement in a case, dispute, investigation, or official proceeding.
Choosing the correct phrase makes your writing clearer and more accurate.
Which phrase sounds more formal?
In this matter generally sounds more formal because it is commonly used in legal, governmental, and corporate documents. On this matter is also professional but is suitable for a much wider range of everyday and workplace communication.
How can I remember the difference between these two phrases?
A simple memory trick is:
- On = Opinion
- In = Involved
If you’re talking about an issue or sharing your thoughts, use on this matter. If you’re referring to being within a case or official situation, use in this matter.
What are some alternatives to on this matter?
Depending on the context, you can use:
- Regarding this matter
- About this issue
- Concerning this topic
- With regard to this matter
- As for this issue
- On this topic
These alternatives are common in both spoken and written English.
What are some alternatives to in this matter?
In formal contexts, suitable alternatives include:
- In this case
- In this situation
- Regarding this case
- Concerning this issue
- With respect to this matter
- In these proceedings
Choose the alternative that best fits the level of formality and the context of your writing.
How can I avoid confusing on this matter and in this matter?
Before choosing a phrase, ask yourself one question:
- Am I discussing or giving an opinion? Use on this matter.
- Am I referring to a case, investigation, dispute, or official issue? Use in this matter.
This simple rule will help you use both expressions naturally and confidently in conversations, emails, business writing, and formal documents.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between on this matter vs. in this matter can make your English more accurate, professional, and natural. Although the two phrases look similar, they are used in different contexts and convey different meanings. On this matter is the right choice when you’re discussing a topic, sharing an opinion, offering advice, or asking for feedback. In this matter, however, is more appropriate when referring to a specific case, legal issue, investigation, or other formal situation.
Choosing the correct phrase helps your message match the situation. In everyday conversations, workplace discussions, and most business emails, on this matter is usually the more natural option. In contrast, legal documents, government correspondence, and official reports often use in this matter because it emphasizes participation or action within a formal context.
By applying the grammar rules, comparison tables, examples, and practical tips in this guide, you’ll be able to use on this matter and in this matter with confidence. Mastering this subtle distinction will improve your writing, strengthen your communication skills, and help you sound more fluent in both professional and everyday English.
Hi, I’m Ava Reynolds — founder of Grammar Orbits. I help students and writers master grammar with easy explanations and practical tips for confident communication.
