Understanding the correct use of English phrases can greatly improve your writing and communication skills. One common area of confusion is the difference between “On This Matter” and “In This Matter.” These two expressions may look similar, but they carry different meanings, usage contexts, and professional implications. Whether you are writing an email, a legal document, a formal letter, or an academic paper, choosing the right phrase can help you sound more clear, polished, and confident.
Many people struggle with grammar rules, formal writing, and sentence structure, especially when dealing with business communication and official correspondence. Using the wrong phrase may lead to misunderstandings, poor clarity, or even misinterpretation of your message. That is why learning the correct word usage, phrase meaning, and contextual differences is so important.
In this guide, we will break down the definition, examples, real-life usage, and common mistakes related to both expressions. You will also learn how native speakers apply these phrases in professional English, workplace writing, and daily communication. By the end, you will clearly understand when to use “On This Matter” and when “In This Matter” is the better choice.
Why “On This Matter” and “In This Matter” Confuse Writers
Most writers hit this snag because both phrases seem interchangeable. They both pair a preposition with “this matter.” But English prepositions are tricky. They don’t just attach to nouns — they color meaning.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what we’ll cover in this article:
- What each phrase literally and contextually means
- How meaning shifts in professional settings
- How grammar rules actually affect meaning
- 50+ usable examples you can copy straight into real writing
- FAQs and a decision guide to help you choose fast
By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing the right phrase every time.
Understanding “This Matter” Before Anything Else
Before we compare the two phrases, let’s define what “matter” means here.
“Matter” refers to an issue, topic, case, or subject under discussion.
It’s abstract, which means context determines the exact interpretation.
For example:
- “We need to resolve this matter by Friday.”
- “Have you updated her on this matter?”
- “Their opinion on this matter differs greatly.”
Notice all three vary by context — work, communication, and disagreement.
Key insight: The surrounding context gives the phrase its function. That’s important when you pair it with a preposition like “on” or “in.”
What “On This Matter” Actually Means
When you say “on this matter”, you almost always talk about stance, discussion, or opinion.
Real meaning
- Focus or viewpoint
- Discussion topic
- Opinion or stance
Consider these examples:
“I will comment on this matter during the meeting.”
“She shared her thoughts on this matter with the board.”
“We had a long discussion on this matter yesterday.”
Here, “on” acts like a lens. It focuses our attention toward the conversation around the topic.
Where You Hear It Most
- Business emails
- Team meetings
- Editorial commentary
- Opinion pieces
Why It Works
“On” connects ideas — it bridges your thoughts and the topic.
Example:
He spoke on this matter for nearly 20 minutes.
This sentence means he addressed or discussed the topic.
What “In This Matter” Actually Means
Now compare that with “in this matter.” This phrase often shows involvement, context, or a situation affecting the subject.
Real meaning
- Within a situation
- Legally or formally involved
- Part of the issue or process
Example sentences:
“She will be involved in this matter until the investigation ends.”
“In this matter, the company followed every regulatory step.”
“His role in this matter remains under review.”
Notice how “in” implies something inside the situation, not just about it.
Where You Hear It Most
- Legal writing
- Contracts
- Formal investigations
- Academic or official reports
“In this matter” often looks and feels more formal than “on this matter,” and that’s because it suggests participation or context, not mere discussion.
Comparing “On This Matter” and “In This Matter”
Let’s see how these two stack up side by side:
| Feature | On This Matter | In This Matter |
| Shows | Discussion or opinion | Context or involvement |
| Tone | Neutral, professional | Formal or legal |
| Common in | Everyday writing, emails, reports | Legal & official documents |
| Implies | Talking about something | Being inside a situation |
| Example | “We talked on this matter.” | “She is involved in this matter.” |
Simple rule of thumb
- You’re talking about a topic → use on this matter
- You’re describing involvement or context → use in this matter
How Prepositions Change Meaning in English
Prepositions are small but powerful. They act like connectors that guide relationships between parts of sentences.
English prepositions rarely translate word for word into other languages. That’s why learners struggle.
Here’s a quick mini-lesson:
Preposition Functions
- On often refers to position on a surface, topic, or subject of discussion.
Example: on the table, on this topic, on this matter - In refers to being inside something, part of a group, or a context.
Example: in the room, in this case, in the report
Prepositions don’t always follow clear logic — they follow usage logic. That means how native speakers use them over time.
Tip: Trust patterns from correct usage more than rigid rules.
Real Life Usage You Can Model
Here are contexts where you’ll likely use these phrases, with real examples you can write today.
Business Emails
Use “on this matter” when:
- Giving feedback
- Addressing a concern
- Talking about an issue
“Following up on this matter, I’ve attached the latest revisions.”
Use “in this matter” when:
- Describing roles
- Confirming responsibility
“As discussed, you remain the point person in this matter.”
Academic Writing
In research or essays, both can be correct — but they serve different functions:
- On this matter → to discuss viewpoints
- In this matter → to describe involvement or context
“Researchers differ on this matter, showing mixed results.”
“Several variables play a role in this matter, including age and gender.”
Legal Writing
Here, “in this matter” shows up far more often.
“In this matter, the court finds no evidence of misconduct.”
“The parties agree that all issues in this matter shall be confidential.”
Legal tip: Lawyers use “in this matter” to talk about the case as an enclosed system of facts and obligations.
Usage Trends and Corpus Data
Let’s look at how language patterns play out in real usage.
What Corpus Data Shows
Language corpora like the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) show that:
- “On this matter” appears more in spoken and professional English
- “In this matter” spikes in legal and formal documents
These patterns reflect purpose more than correctness.
Think of corpora as giant language databases that show how real people use phrases — not how textbooks say they should be used.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Writers often fall into these traps:
Incorrect:
- “We need to decide in this matter soon.”
- Better: “We need to decide on this matter soon.”
Incorrect:
- “His involvement on this matter will continue.”
- Better: “His involvement in this matter will continue.”
Incorrect:
- “Let’s talk in this matter first.”
- Better: “Let’s talk on this matter first.”
Fix strategy: Ask yourself — am I talking about something? Or am I talking about being part of something?
If it’s about, use on. If it’s inside, use in.
Best Alternatives You Can Use Right Now
Sometimes, you don’t need either phrase. Here are clear, natural phrasing alternatives:
Formal Alternatives
- Regarding this issue
- Concerning this topic
- With respect to this case
Neutral Alternatives
- About this matter
- On this topic
- With regard to this issue
Informal Alternatives
- About this
- On that
- Talking about this
Example:
Instead of “In this matter, we must decide…”
Try “Regarding this issue, we must decide…”
These alternatives often feel more natural in modern writing.
Native Speaker Use — What It Sounds Like
Native English speakers usually rely on intuition with prepositions. Here’s what patterns reveal:
Conversation
- People rarely say “in this matter” unless speaking formally.
- “On this matter” feels perfectly natural.
- “What do you think on this matter?” → sounds normal.
- “What do you think in this matter?” → sounds unusual.
Writing
- Business writers tend to choose “on this matter”
- Legal writers choose “in this matter” to signal formality
Why this matters to you: If you’re not writing for courts or scholars, “on this matter” is often better.
Easy Rules to Choose Faster
Here’s a simple checklist to pick the right phrase without overthinking:
Decision Guide
- Talking about an opinion or discussion? → on this matter
- Describing involvement, role, or situation? → in this matter
- Writing a formal paper or legal document? → in this matter (mostly)
- Writing an email, blog, or report? → on this matter usually
Quick Flow
- Is the phrase about talking or action?
- Talking → on
- Action/context → in
- Does the tone need to be formal?
- Yes → in
- No → on
More Than 50 Examples You Can Use Today
Here’s a huge bank of ready-to-use examples, grouped by context.
Business
- “I’ve been briefed on this matter and will reply today.”
- “Our team needs clarity on this matter by noon.”
- “You have decision authority in this matter.”
Academic
- “Researchers disagree on this matter.”
- “Findings in this study reveal patterns in this matter.”
- “Debates continue on this matter across disciplines.”
Legal / Formal
- “The judge ruled in this matter after reviewing exhibits.”
- “All correspondence in this matter should be filed.”
- “Counsel must appear in this matter on Monday.”
Everyday
- “We talked on this matter for hours.”
- “There’s no update in this matter yet.”
- “Take a position on this matter before Friday.”
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “On This Matter” and “In This Matter” is essential for anyone who wants to improve their English communication skills. Although both phrases relate to a specific topic, issue, or situation, they are used in different contexts. “On This Matter” is commonly used when giving an opinion, statement, or explanation about something. On the other hand, “In This Matter” is mostly used in formal writing, legal language, and official documents.
Choosing the correct phrase helps you sound more professional, confident, and accurate in your emails, reports, and business communication. It also reduces the risk of misunderstanding and improves message clarity. By learning the proper usage rules, sentence examples, and common mistakes, you can strengthen your writing style and communicate more effectively.
With regular practice and awareness of contextual meaning, you will naturally master these expressions and use them correctly in both formal and informal English.
FAQs
1. What does “On This Matter” mean?
“On This Matter” means talking about a specific issue or topic. It is often used when sharing an opinion, viewpoint, or explanation in emails, discussions, or reports.
2. What does “In This Matter” mean?
“In This Matter” refers to being involved in a situation or case, especially in legal contexts, official communication, and formal documents.
3. Which phrase is more formal?
“In This Matter” is generally more formal and commonly used in legal writing and professional correspondence, while “On This Matter” works well in everyday and business writing.
4. Can I use both phrases interchangeably?
No. Although they seem similar, they have different meanings and uses. Using them interchangeably may lead to confusion or incorrect interpretation.
5. Is “On This Matter” suitable for emails?
Yes. “On This Matter” is widely used in professional emails, workplace communication, and customer service messages.
Emily Claire is a dedicated writer and English grammar specialist who helps readers improve their language skills with clarity and confidence. At Grammar Schooling, she turns complex grammar rules into clear, engaging lessons that make learning enjoyable. Her passion lies in empowering learners worldwide to communicate effectively and express themselves with ease.