When I started out in business communication, I realized how deeply language depends on nuance. In professional fields like law, academia, and formal writing, selecting the right phrases can make a real difference in tone. That’s where “on this matter” and “in this matter” come in. These are both acceptable, but they are used in different contexts with different purposes. “On this matter” usually highlights the tone or direction of a message, while “in this matter” refers more to involvement or action taken. Knowing which to use helps avoid ambiguity and keeps communication clear.
Over the years, working across various industries, I’ve noticed that these subtle differences in grammatical choice are often contextual and deeply intentional. To break it down: these terms aren’t just fluff – they reflect powerful meanings and follow trends shaped by real-world usage. I often advise writers to study actual examples in their field to find the right fit. Mastering these small choices helps sharpen your professional tone and ensures your meaning is understood without confusion.
Why Prepositions Like “On” and “In” Matter So Much
Prepositions are tiny words with huge influence. They tell us about relationships – between time, space, or abstract concepts. Choosing the wrong preposition might not destroy your sentence, but it can dull its precision or make it sound awkward.
In phrases like “on this matter” and “in this matter”, the preposition sets the tone:
- “On this matter” implies a position, opinion, or commentary.
- “In this matter” suggests involvement, participation, or action within a scenario.
Let’s explore how this plays out.
Understanding the Core Difference at a Glance
Here’s a quick summary for clarity:
| Phrase | Implies | Common Usage Contexts |
| On this matter | Speaking about the issue | Giving opinions, advice, feedback |
| In this matter | Being involved or engaged | Legal participation, active roles |
This core distinction is crucial in determining which phrase sounds natural, formal, or precise based on what you’re trying to express.
What Does “On This Matter” Actually Mean?
“On this matter” is often used when referencing opinions, statements, or positions taken in relation to a topic. Think of it as placing a spotlight on the issue, from a slightly removed or evaluative position.
Where It’s Commonly Used
- Legal correspondence
- Corporate emails
- Academic papers
- Policy documents
Examples in Context
“We’ve consulted several stakeholders on this matter, and their input has been overwhelmingly supportive.”
“Your comments on this matter are appreciated and will be taken into account.”
In each case, the speaker is commenting about a matter – not actively participating in it.
What Does “In This Matter” Actually Mean?
“In this matter” is more action-oriented. It implies direct involvement, responsibility, or representation. It’s formal and often used in legal or official settings.
Where It’s Commonly Used
- Legal representation and filings
- Official investigations
- Conflict resolution
- HR and compliance communications
Examples in Context
“Attorney James Wilkins will act in this matter on behalf of the claimant.”
“Your assistance in this matter has been vital to the investigation.”
Here, the subject is engaged in the process, not simply commenting from a distance.
Grammatical Comparison: The Role of Prepositions “On” vs. “In”
The difference between “on” and “in” is not just stylistic – it changes the grammatical function of the phrase.
Let’s break it down:
| Preposition | Implied Function | Sentence Role |
| On | Topic or Subject | Refers to discourse or feedback |
| In | Active Participation | Refers to involvement or process |
Quick Grammar Tip:
- Use “on” with verbs like comment, advise, decide, consult.
- Use “in” with verbs like act, assist, represent, intervene.
Common Use Cases in Different Fields
Let’s explore how these phrases are used in real-world industries:
Legal
- On this matter: “We provided counsel on this matter to the board.”
- In this matter: “She will serve as legal counsel in this matter.”
Key Difference: One is advisory; the other is participatory.
Business
- On this matter: “Thank you for your feedback on this matter.”
- In this matter: “We request your cooperation in this matter to finalize the deal.”
Key Difference: One offers an opinion; the other requests help.
Academic
- On this matter: “The author expands on existing theories on this matter.”
- In this matter: “The student’s involvement in this matter was commendable.”
Key Difference: “On” aligns with discourse; “in” implies action.
Historical Usage Trends and Corpus Data
Data from Google Ngram Viewer reveals interesting patterns:
- “On this matter” has consistently been more common since 1950.
- “In this matter” sees spikes in legal and formal writing but remains less frequent.
Here’s a snapshot:
| Year | “On This Matter” (%) | “In This Matter” (%) |
| 1950 | 0.000091 | 0.000052 |
| 1980 | 0.000104 | 0.000060 |
| 2000 | 0.000122 | 0.000074 |
| 2020 | 0.000118 | 0.000073 |
Observation: Usage of both has grown – but “on” maintains dominance in general English texts.
When to Choose One Over the Other: Practical Guidelines
Sometimes you need more than a rule – you need a real-world filter. Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Use “On This Matter” if:
- You’re commenting, advising, or giving a statement.
- The topic is under discussion.
- You’re referring to documents or feedback.
✅ Use “In This Matter” if:
- Someone is involved in legal or procedural action.
- You need to show responsibility or assistance.
- The person is taking part in resolution or engagement.
Signal Verbs That Pair Naturally
| Use Case | Common Verbs | Example Phrase |
| On this matter | advise, comment, speak | “We will advise you on this matter.” |
| In this matter | act, assist, intervene | “He will represent the company in this matter.” |
These pairings make your sentences feel fluent and professional.
Alternate Prepositions and Their Impact
Sometimes, clarity demands alternative phrasing. Here are common substitutions:
| Phrase Variant | Usage | Notes |
| About this matter | Neutral tone | Slightly less formal |
| Regarding this matter | More formal | Popular in written communication |
| Concerning this matter | Slightly outdated or legal | Use cautiously |
Tip: Choose based on tone – “about” is casual, “regarding” is formal, “concerning” can sound negative.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoiding minor missteps keeps your writing sharp. Here are errors to steer clear of:
❌ Using “on this matter” when you mean involvement
Wrong: “She acted on this matter as legal counsel.” Right: “She acted in this matter as legal counsel.”
❌ Mixing informal and formal tones
Don’t write:
“Hey, got your note in this matter – let me know.” Use: “Hey, got your note about this – let’s discuss.”
❌ Overusing either phrase in the same document
Solution: Vary your language with “regarding,” “concerning,” or simply restructure your sentence.
Real-World Examples From Professional Contexts
Let’s look at sample excerpts:
Corporate Email Sample
“Thank you for reaching out. We’ve spoken to the compliance team on this matter, and they’ve advised a full review of the contract.”
Legal Memo Sample
“Our firm will continue to represent you in this matter until resolution is achieved.”
Academic Peer Review Sample
“Your contribution in this matter adds depth to the discourse on indigenous education policy.”
Each version serves a different rhetorical purpose.
Quick Reference Table: Use at a Glance
| Function | Phrase to Use | Sample Sentence |
| Giving opinion | On this matter | “She shared her perspective on this matter.” |
| Taking action | In this matter | “He intervened in this matter to mediate.” |
| Involving law | In this matter | “He was appointed legal guardian in this matter.” |
| Offering advice | On this matter | “We offer guidance on this matter regularly.” |
Diagram: Visual Breakdown of Usage
pgsql
CopyEdit
+——————-+ +——————+
| ON THIS MATTER | | IN THIS MATTER |
+——————-+ +——————+
| Opinions | | Actions |
| Feedback | | Involvement |
| Comments | | Legal roles |
| Advisories | | Active support |
+——————-+ +——————+
| |
|—– Sometimes overlap ——|
Final Thoughts
Precision in language is more than stylistic polish – it’s a mark of clarity, professionalism, and credibility. “On this matter” and “in this matter” may appear interchangeable, but they serve distinct functions that shape how your message is received. Whether you’re writing a legal brief, a corporate email, or an academic article, knowing the correct phrase ensures that your meaning is unmistakably clear.
“So the next time you’re choosing between these two phrases, stop and consider: Are you speaking about a situation, or are you involved in it? Let context be your guide, and you’ll always choose wisely.
FAQs
What does “on this matter” typically mean?
“On this matter” refers to someone’s opinion, statement, or advice about a specific topic. It suggests that the speaker is commenting on the issue rather than being directly involved in its process or resolution.
When should I use “in this matter”?
Use “in this matter” when someone is actively participating in a situation – like offering assistance, legal representation, or formal engagement in a decision or event. It reflects direct involvement.
Can I use both phrases in the same document?
Yes, but with care. Each phrase serves a different purpose. Use “on this matter” for commentary and “in this matter” for involvement. Mixing them correctly adds depth; using them interchangeably may confuse the message.
Is one phrase more formal than the other?
Both are formal, but “in this matter” is often perceived as more procedural or legal. “On this matter” is used more broadly in professional and academic writing to express viewpoints or discussions.
What are alternatives to these phrases?
Alternatives include:
- “About this issue” (casual)
- “Regarding this matter” (formal)
- “With respect to this matter” (very formal) Each has slightly different connotations, so choose one that matches your tone and context.
