For those who have ever wondered how to use the phrase “for that matter” in a sentence, this article aims to provide a comprehensive guide. Whether you are a native English speaker looking to enhance your writing skills or a non-native speaker trying to grasp the nuances of the language, understanding the proper usage of this phrase can greatly improve your communication abilities.
So, how exactly should one use “for that matter” in a sentence? In its simplest form, “for that matter” is used to emphasize a statement or to indicate that a particular statement is true in a similar manner for a related subject. It is often employed to broaden the scope of a conversation or to establish a connection between different ideas or entities.
Now that we have a basic understanding of the purpose of “for that matter,” let’s delve deeper into the various ways in which it can be effectively used in a sentence.
Definition Of For That Matter
For that matter is a commonly used phrase in the English language that serves as a connector in sentences. It is used to introduce a related or contrasting idea, often emphasizing the significance or relevance of the statement being made. This phrase is typically used in informal conversations, as well as in writing, to add emphasis or provide further clarification to a previous statement.
Historical Evolution
The exact origins of the phrase “for that matter” are difficult to trace, as it has been in use for several centuries. However, its usage can be observed in written texts dating back to the 16th century. Over time, the phrase has become a standard component of the English language, finding its place in both formal and informal communication.
Different Meanings In Different Contexts
The meaning of “for that matter” can vary depending on the context in which it is used. In general, it is employed to introduce an additional point or to indicate that the previous statement applies to a broader range of situations. Here are a few examples of how “for that matter” can be used in different contexts:
1. Emphasizing Similarity:
In this context, “for that matter” is used to highlight that a similar situation or condition applies to the subject being discussed. For example:
- “I don’t like spicy food, and for that matter, I also avoid anything with too much salt.”
- “John doesn’t enjoy going to parties, and for that matter, neither does his sister.”
2. Introducing a Contrasting Idea:
When used in this manner, “for that matter” introduces a contrasting statement that challenges or contradicts the previous idea. For instance:
- “I don’t think she’s qualified for the job, and for that matter, I don’t believe anyone in the current pool of applicants is.”
- “He doesn’t like chocolate, and for that matter, he doesn’t have a sweet tooth at all.”
3. Expanding on a Previous Statement:
In this context, “for that matter” is used to provide additional information or examples that support or further explain the preceding statement. Consider the following examples:
- “I don’t enjoy watching romantic comedies, and for that matter, I prefer action-packed thrillers.”
- “She didn’t attend the meeting, and for that matter, she missed out on important updates and decisions.”
Overall, “for that matter” is a versatile phrase that can enhance the clarity and emphasis of a sentence. Its ability to connect ideas and emphasize their relevance makes it a valuable tool in effective communication.
How To Properly Use For That Matter In A Sentence
When it comes to using the phrase “for that matter” in a sentence, there are a few grammatical rules that should be followed to ensure clarity and accuracy. This commonly used phrase serves as a connector, emphasizing a point or adding additional information to a statement. Let’s delve into the proper usage of “for that matter” and explore its various parts of speech.
Grammatical Rules
1. Positioning: “For that matter” is typically placed after a subject or object, but before a verb or verb phrase. This placement helps to link the preceding statement with the subsequent information.
Example sentence: “I don’t enjoy spicy food. For that matter, I avoid anything with even a hint of heat.”
2. Commas: It is crucial to use a comma before and after the phrase “for that matter” to set it apart from the rest of the sentence. This punctuation ensures that the phrase is clearly distinguished and its intended meaning is conveyed.
Example sentence: “She is not interested in politics, or, for that matter, any current events.”
Parts Of Speech
In terms of its parts of speech, “for that matter” primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. However, depending on the context, the individual words within the phrase can also take on different roles.
| Word | Part of Speech | Example |
|---|---|---|
| For | Preposition or Conjunction | “I bought this gift for her.” |
| That | Pronoun, Determiner, or Conjunction | “That is a beautiful flower.” |
| Matter | Noun or Verb | “The subject matter of this book is fascinating.” |
By combining these words, the phrase “for that matter” gains its unique meaning and serves as a cohesive unit to express a specific idea within a sentence.
Now that you have a better understanding of the grammatical rules and parts of speech associated with “for that matter,” you can confidently incorporate this phrase into your writing. Remember to position it correctly and use commas to separate it from the rest of the sentence. By doing so, you will effectively enhance your communication and convey your intended message with precision.
Examples Of Using For That Matter In A Sentence
When it comes to incorporating the phrase “for that matter” into your sentences, it is essential to strike a balance between simplicity and complexity. By doing so, you can effectively showcase the versatility of this phrase. Whether you are aiming to emphasize a point, compare different situations, or introduce a new perspective, “for that matter” can add depth and clarity to your writing. Let’s explore some examples that demonstrate the various contexts and nuances of using “for that matter” in a sentence:
Examples:
- She doesn’t enjoy swimming, or any water-related activities for that matter.
- He doesn’t like spicy food, or any type of cuisine with strong flavors for that matter.
- I don’t have time for hobbies, or any leisure activities for that matter.
- He doesn’t believe in superstitions, or any form of irrational beliefs for that matter.
- She doesn’t trust politicians, or any individuals in positions of power for that matter.
In the first example, the phrase “for that matter” is used to emphasize the speaker’s lack of interest in any water-related activities. It implies that swimming is just one example among many others. This sentence showcases the simplicity of the phrase while effectively conveying the intended meaning.
The second example highlights the versatility of “for that matter” by comparing the dislike for spicy food to a broader category of cuisine with strong flavors. By using this phrase, the speaker suggests that their aversion extends beyond just one specific type of food.
The third example demonstrates how “for that matter” can be used to generalize a lack of time for any leisure activities. The phrase implies that the speaker’s busy schedule prevents them from engaging in any hobbies, not just a specific one.
In the fourth example, “for that matter” is employed to broaden the statement about disbelief in superstitions to encompass any form of irrational beliefs. This usage showcases the phrase’s ability to expand the scope of a statement and include related concepts.
Lastly, the fifth example illustrates how “for that matter” can be used to generalize a lack of trust in individuals in positions of power. It implies that the speaker’s skepticism extends beyond just politicians, encompassing anyone holding influential roles.
These examples demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of incorporating “for that matter” into your sentences. By using a mix of simple and complex sentences, you can effectively convey various contexts and nuances associated with this phrase.
Edge Cases Or Things To Consider
When it comes to using the phrase “for that matter” in a sentence, there are a few common mistakes that people often make. By being aware of these errors, you can ensure that your usage is accurate and effective.
Common Mistakes People Make When Using “For That Matter”
1. Using it incorrectly: One common mistake is using “for that matter” in a sentence where it doesn’t make logical sense or is grammatically incorrect. It is crucial to understand the proper context and meaning of this phrase before incorporating it into your writing.
Incorrect example: “I don’t like coffee, or for that matter, I don’t like tea either.”
Correct example: “I don’t like coffee. For that matter, I don’t like tea either.”
2. Overusing the phrase: Another mistake to avoid is overusing the phrase “for that matter” within a single piece of writing. While it can be a useful expression, using it excessively can make your writing sound repetitive or monotonous. It is important to strike a balance and only use it when necessary.
Incorrect example: “I don’t like coffee. For that matter, I don’t like tea either. And for that matter, I also dislike hot chocolate.”
Correct example: “I don’t like coffee. For that matter, I don’t like tea either. However, I do enjoy a cup of hot chocolate occasionally.”
3. Not providing sufficient context: Sometimes, people fail to provide enough context when using “for that matter.” This can lead to confusion or ambiguity for the reader. It is essential to ensure that the sentence clearly conveys the intended meaning and relationship between the two ideas.
Incorrect example: “I don’t like coffee. For that matter, I prefer black.”
Correct example: “I don’t like coffee. For that matter, I prefer black tea.”
Cultural Or Regional Differences
It is worth noting that the usage and understanding of “for that matter” may vary across different cultures or regions. While it is generally accepted as a standard phrase in English, its frequency of use and familiarity might differ among native speakers of different dialects or countries.
In some cultures, alternative expressions or idiomatic phrases may be more commonly used to convey a similar meaning. It is essential to be aware of these cultural or regional differences to ensure effective communication.
For example, in British English, the phrase “as far as that goes” is often used instead of “for that matter.” Similarly, in Australian English, the expression “if you like” is sometimes used in a similar manner.
Understanding these cultural or regional differences can help you tailor your writing to your target audience and avoid any potential confusion or misinterpretation.
Synonyms Or Alternates To Use
When it comes to expressing the same idea as “for that matter,” there are several alternatives that can be used interchangeably. Here are four synonyms that can be seamlessly substituted in a sentence:
1. In Fact
Similar to “for that matter,” the phrase “in fact” is commonly used to introduce additional information or emphasize a point. However, “in fact” tends to be more assertive and direct in its delivery, leaving little room for doubt or ambiguity. It is often used to provide evidence or support for a preceding statement.
Example: “She didn’t like the movie, and in fact, she found it quite boring.”
Context: “In fact” is particularly suitable when you want to emphasize a contrasting or surprising fact that strengthens your argument or contradicts a previous assumption.
2. As A Matter Of Fact
The expression “as a matter of fact” serves as a synonym for “for that matter” while adding a touch of formality to the sentence. It is commonly used to introduce new information or correct a misconception. “As a matter of fact” implies that the following statement is an indisputable truth or an established fact.
Example: “I didn’t enjoy the concert, and as a matter of fact, I found the sound quality quite poor.”
Context: This phrase is often employed when you want to provide a factual correction or offer additional information that challenges a prevailing belief or assumption.
3. In Reality
When seeking an alternative to “for that matter,” “in reality” can be a suitable choice. This phrase conveys the idea of presenting the true state of affairs or highlighting the actual facts. “In reality” is commonly used to contrast a perceived notion with the actual situation.
Example: “He claimed to be an expert, but in reality, he lacked the necessary qualifications.”
Context: “In reality” is particularly useful when you want to expose a discrepancy between what is believed or assumed and what is actually true.
4. Actually
“Actually” is a versatile word that can be used as a substitute for “for that matter.” It is often employed to introduce a new point or clarify a misunderstanding. Unlike “for that matter,” “actually” has a more informal tone and is commonly used in everyday conversations.
Example: “I didn’t see her at the party. Actually, she had to leave early.”
Context: “Actually” can be used in various contexts, but it is particularly useful when you want to provide a correction, offer additional information, or clarify a misconception in a casual or conversational setting.
Related Phrases Or Idioms
When it comes to incorporating the phrase “for that matter” into a sentence, there are several related phrases and idioms that can add depth and nuance to your language. These expressions often convey a similar meaning or highlight specific contexts where “for that matter” can be used effectively. Let’s explore a few of these phrases and idioms:
1. As A Matter Of Fact
“As a matter of fact” is a commonly used phrase that shares a similar meaning to “for that matter.” It is often used to introduce additional information or provide evidence that supports a previous statement. This phrase emphasizes the truth or accuracy of a particular statement. Here’s an example sentence:
- She didn’t just pass the exam; as a matter of fact, she achieved the highest score in the entire class.
2. For That Reason
“For that reason” is another expression that can be used interchangeably with “for that matter.” It is employed to explain the cause or justification behind a statement or action. This phrase indicates a logical connection between two ideas. Consider the following example sentence:
- I won’t be attending the party tonight, and for that reason, I need to inform the host in advance.
3. In That Regard
“In that regard” is a phrase that can be used to refer back to a specific aspect or context that has been mentioned earlier. It is often employed to provide additional information or clarification. This phrase is particularly useful when discussing related topics or comparing different perspectives. Here’s an example sentence:
- John is an exceptional leader, and in that regard, he has earned the respect and admiration of his team.
4. By The Same Token
“By the same token” is an idiom that shares a similar meaning to “for that matter.” It is used to introduce a related point or argument that supports or extends a previous statement. This phrase suggests that the same logic or reasoning applies to both situations. Consider the following example sentence:
- She is talented in both singing and dancing. By the same token, she excels in any form of performing arts.
These related phrases and idioms provide various ways to incorporate “for that matter” into your sentences. By using them appropriately, you can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your communication.
Conclusion
Using “for that matter” correctly is of utmost importance in written and spoken English. It not only adds clarity and precision to your sentences but also demonstrates your command over the language. By understanding the correct usage of this phrase, you can effectively convey your thoughts and ideas to others.
Throughout this article, we have explored the various ways in which “for that matter” can be used. We have seen how it can be employed to introduce additional information, emphasize a point, or clarify a statement. This versatile phrase allows you to connect ideas and provide further context to your sentences.
As with any aspect of language, practice makes perfect. I encourage you to incorporate “for that matter” into your own sentences and conversations. By doing so, you will not only enhance your language skills but also develop a more sophisticated and nuanced style of communication.
Remember, using “for that matter” correctly is a mark of linguistic prowess. It sets you apart as someone who pays attention to detail and strives for precision in their expression. So, go ahead and experiment with this phrase in your writing and speaking. Soon enough, you will master its usage and reap the benefits of a more eloquent and articulate communication style.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.