The phrases on this matter and in this matter are both used in English when discussing a particular subject, issue, or situation. Because they have similar meanings, many English learners find it difficult to know which expression to use. Although both phrases can be correct, they are not always interchangeable.
On this matter generally means about or concerning a particular subject. In this matter usually means in relation to a particular issue or situation, often when discussing someone’s role, involvement, judgment, or actions.
For example, you might say, We need to have a discussion on this matter when referring to a topic. However, you might say, I cannot help you in this matter when referring to your involvement in a specific situation.
This guide explains the meanings, differences, grammatical patterns, and practical examples of both expressions so you can use them naturally in everyday and professional English.
Quick Answer: What Is the Difference Between On This Matter and In This Matter?
On this matter means about, regarding, or concerning a particular subject. In this matter means in relation to a particular issue, situation, or set of circumstances.
Examples:
- On this matter: We need more information on this matter.
- In this matter: I have no authority in this matter.
Use on when introducing or discussing a topic. Use in when referring to someone’s involvement, role, judgment, or position within a situation.
Both expressions are grammatically correct, but the appropriate choice depends on the meaning of the sentence.
What Does On This Matter Mean?
The phrase on this matter means about, regarding, or concerning a specific subject or issue.
It is commonly used when discussing, explaining, commenting on, or providing information about something.
Examples of On This Matter in Sentences
- We need to discuss this matter with the manager.
- I would like to hear your opinion on this matter.
- The company has released an official statement on this matter.
- She has provided useful information on this matter.
- The government has not commented on this matter yet.
- I agree with your suggestion on this matter.
- We will arrange another meeting on this matter.
In these examples, on this matter introduces the subject being discussed or considered.
Common Expressions with On This Matter
Here are some common combinations:
- Comment on this matter: Give an opinion about an issue.
- Information on this matter: Facts or details about a subject.
- Discussion on this matter: A conversation about an issue.
- Statement on this matter: An official or personal declaration about something.
- Opinion on this matter: Someone’s viewpoint about an issue.
- Agreement on this matter: A shared decision or understanding concerning an issue.
Examples:
- The director refused to comment on this matter.
- We need additional information on this matter.
- Everyone has a different opinion on this matter.
What Does In This Matter Mean?
The phrase in this matter means in relation to a particular issue, situation, or set of circumstances.
It often refers to someone’s role, involvement, responsibility, authority, or position regarding a specific situation.
Examples of In This Matter in Sentences
- I cannot help you in this matter.
- She has no experience in this matter.
- You should consult a lawyer in this matter.
- We trust your judgment in this matter.
- The manager has the final authority in this matter.
- I would appreciate your assistance in this matter.
- He has acted responsibly in this matter.
In these examples, in this matter refers to someone’s involvement or position in a particular situation.
Common Expressions with In This Matter
Here are some frequently used combinations:
- Help in this matter: Provide assistance with a particular issue.
- Assistance in this matter: Support related to a specific situation.
- Experience in this matter: Knowledge or practical involvement in an issue.
- Authority in this matter: The power or right to make decisions about an issue.
- Judgment in this matter: The ability to make a decision about a situation.
- Involvement in this matter: Participation in a particular issue.
Examples:
- I need your help in this matter.
- She has considerable experience in this matter.
- We respect your judgment in this matter.
On This Matter vs In This Matter: Key Differences
Both phrases refer to a particular subject or issue, but their emphasis is different.
| On This Matter | In This Matter |
|---|---|
| Means about or concerning an issue. | Means in relation to an issue or situation. |
| Commonly introduces a topic for discussion. | Often describes involvement or position in a situation. |
| Frequently follows verbs such as comment, speak, and report. | Frequently follows expressions such as help, experience, and authority. |
| Focuses on the subject being discussed. | Focuses on someone’s role or relationship to the situation. |
| Example: I have an opinion on this matter. | Example: I need your assistance in this matter. |
1. On This Matter Focuses on the Topic
Use on this matter when the main purpose is to discuss or provide information about an issue.
Examples:
- The teacher gave a lecture on this matter.
- We need to reach an agreement on this matter.
- Please provide your comments on this matter.
2. In This Matter Focuses on the Situation
Use in this matter when referring to someone’s role, participation, or position regarding an issue.
Examples:
- I have no involvement in this matter.
- You can trust me in this matter.
- We need professional guidance in this matter.
3. Both Can Be Used with Certain Words
Some words and expressions can naturally take either preposition, but the meaning or emphasis may change.
For example:
- We need more information on this matter.
- We need more experience in this matter.
The first refers to information about the issue. The second refers to practical experience related to the situation.
Can On This Matter and In This Matter Be Used Interchangeably?
Sometimes, both expressions can appear in similar contexts, but they do not always communicate the same meaning.
Consider these examples:
1. Opinion
- I have an opinion on this matter.
- I have an opinion in this matter.
The first is the natural and standard expression when referring to a viewpoint about an issue. The second is less common and may sound unnatural without a special context.
2. Help
- I need your help on this matter.
- I need your help in this matter.
Both can be correct. Help on this matter emphasizes assistance concerning the topic, while help in this matter emphasizes assistance within the situation. In everyday English, both are commonly understood.
3. Discussion
- We had a discussion on this matter.
- We had a discussion in this matter.
The first is the natural choice when referring to a discussion about a subject. The second is generally unnatural in this context.
The important point is that the preposition depends on the word it accompanies and the intended meaning.
When Should You Use On This Matter?
Use on this matter when you want to refer to a subject that someone is discussing, explaining, reporting, or expressing an opinion about.
Examples:
- I would like to comment on this matter.
- The newspaper published an article on this matter.
- We need to have a meeting on this matter.
- The committee will issue a report on this matter.
- She has an interesting perspective on this matter.
- The company has not made any announcement on this matter.
A useful pattern is:
Verb or noun related to communication + on this matter
Examples:
- Speak on this matter.
- Comment on this matter.
- Report on this matter.
- A statement on this matter.
- A discussion on this matter.
When Should You Use In This Matter?
Use in this matter when you want to describe someone’s involvement, responsibility, position, or role in a particular issue.
Examples:
- I need your assistance in this matter.
- He has no authority in this matter.
- You should exercise caution in this matter.
- She has considerable experience in this matter.
- We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
- The company will take appropriate action in this matter.
A useful pattern is:
Expression related to involvement, ability, or responsibility + in this matter
Examples:
- Help in this matter.
- Experience in this matter.
- Authority in this matter.
- Involvement in this matter.
- Assistance in this matter.
On This Matter vs In This Matter in Formal Writing
Both expressions are appropriate in formal English, especially in business communication, official letters, reports, and professional discussions.
However, the choice depends on what you want to say.
Examples in Professional Emails
Using on this matter:
- I am writing to request your opinion on this matter.
- We would appreciate your comments on this matter.
- Please review the attached report on this matter.
- I will share further information on this matter soon.
Using in this matter:
- We would appreciate your assistance in this matter.
- Your cooperation in this matter would be highly valued.
- Please let us know if you need any support in this matter.
- We trust your professional judgment in this matter.
Which Expression Sounds More Professional?
Neither expression is automatically more professional than the other. Both are suitable for formal communication when used correctly.
For example:
- Your comments on this matter would be appreciated. This asks for an opinion or response.
- Your assistance in this matter would be appreciated. This asks for help or involvement.
The noun following the preposition helps determine which expression is appropriate.
Common Mistakes When Using On This Matter and In This Matter
English learners sometimes choose a preposition based only on the general meaning of a sentence. However, natural English often depends on established word combinations.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Mistake 1: Using In Instead of On with Comment
Incorrect: Please comment in this matter.
Correct: Please comment on this matter.
The standard expression is comment on something.
Mistake 2: Using On Instead of In with Involvement
Less natural: He has no involvement on this matter.
Correct: He has no involvement in this matter.
The standard expression is involvement in something.
Mistake 3: Using In with Discussion
Less natural: We had a discussion in this matter.
Correct: We had a discussion on this matter.
When referring to the subject of a discussion, on is generally the natural choice.
Mistake 4: Assuming Both Prepositions Have Exactly the Same Meaning
Incorrect approach: Using on and in interchangeably in every sentence.
Better approach: Consider the expression that comes before the preposition.
For example:
- Information on this matter.
- Experience in this matter.
- Opinion on this matter.
- Involvement in this matter.
Learning these common combinations will help you avoid unnatural sentences.
Easy Trick to Remember the Difference
Use this simple memory trick:
- On this matter = About this issue.
- In this matter = Within or in relation to this situation.
Ask yourself what you want to emphasize.
If you are discussing, explaining, reporting, or giving an opinion about a subject, on this matter is often appropriate.
If you are describing someone’s help, involvement, authority, or responsibility in a situation, in this matter is often appropriate.
Examples:
- I have some questions on this matter. This refers to the subject of the questions.
- I need your assistance in this matter. This refers to help with the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it correct to say on this matter?
Yes. On this matter is grammatically correct and means about or concerning a particular subject. For example, I would like to share my opinion on this matter.
2. Is it correct to say in this matter?
Yes. In this matter is also correct and means in relation to a particular issue or situation. For example, I need your assistance in this matter.
3. Which is correct: on this matter or in this matter?
Both are correct, but they are used in different contexts. Use on this matter when discussing a topic or expressing an opinion. Use in this matter when referring to involvement, assistance, authority, or responsibility.
4. Should I say your opinion on this matter or your opinion in this matter?
Your opinion on this matter is the natural and standard expression. The preposition on is commonly used after opinion when referring to a subject or issue.
5. Should I say help on this matter or help in this matter?
Both expressions can be correct. Help on this matter emphasizes assistance concerning an issue, while help in this matter emphasizes assistance within a particular situation. The best choice depends on the context.
6. Is on this matter formal or informal?
On this matter is suitable for both formal and informal English. It is frequently used in professional emails, reports, discussions, and official statements.
7. Can I use regarding this matter instead of on this matter?
Yes. Regarding this matter and on this matter can have similar meanings when introducing a subject. For example, I would like to speak on this matter and I would like to speak regarding this matter both refer to discussing an issue, although the wording and naturalness may vary by sentence.
Conclusion
The difference between on this matter and in this matter is mainly related to their intended meaning and the words they commonly accompany.
Use on this matter when referring to a subject, discussion, opinion, statement, or report. Use in this matter when referring to someone’s involvement, assistance, experience, authority, or position in a particular situation.
Remember this simple rule: On this matter means about the issue, while in this matter refers to involvement or a relationship with the situation.
Both expressions are correct in English. Choosing the right one will make your sentences clearer, more natural, and more professional.
