“On this matter” and “in this matter” are both correct, but they’re not interchangeable. “On this matter” refers to a topic or issue you’re discussing or giving an opinion about. “In this matter” refers to a specific case, dispute, or formal proceeding you’re involved in. The difference comes down to distance versus involvement: one phrase discusses something, the other participates in it.
Quick Answer: Which One Should You Use?
Use “on this matter” when you’re commenting on, discussing, or sharing a view about a topic. Use “in this matter” when you’re describing your role, actions, or standing within a specific case or situation — often a legal, official, or business one.
| On this matter | In this matter | |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Discusses a topic | Describes involvement |
| Typical setting | General conversation, opinions, emails | Legal, official, or formal proceedings |
| Answers the question | “What are we talking about?” | “What’s my role or position in this?” |
Correct: I’d like to share my thoughts on this matter. Also correct, different meaning: Our firm is representing the client in this matter.
Both sentences are grammatically fine. They simply describe two different relationships to the subject.
“On This Matter” Meaning and Examples
“On this matter” treats the matter as a topic of discussion. You stand outside it and comment, advise, or take a position. It pairs naturally with verbs like comment, agree, disagree, advise, decide, and update.
- I have no further comments on this matter.
- The board will vote on this matter next week.
- Thank you for your feedback on this matter.
- We remain divided on this matter.
In each example, “this matter” is simply the subject being talked about — a topic, not a case someone is formally tied to.
“In This Matter” Meaning and Examples
“In this matter” treats the matter as something you’re inside of — a specific case, transaction, or set of circumstances where you (or someone else) have a role, responsibility, or stake. It’s common in legal, corporate, and official writing.
- Please advise us on how to proceed in this matter.
- The attorney representing the family in this matter confirmed the settlement.
- We have taken the following steps in this matter.
- The company’s position in this matter has not changed.
Here, “this matter” points to a defined situation with participants, actions, and consequences — not just a subject for conversation.
Where Does “In This Matter” Come From? (The Legal Root: “In Re”)
“In this matter” has a long history in legal writing, and its formality traces back to the Latin phrase “in re,” meaning “in the matter of.” Courts use “in re” to title cases that don’t have opposing parties named in the usual way — for example, probate or juvenile proceedings, such as In re Gault. This legal tradition of treating “matter” as a formal case, not a casual topic, is part of why “in this matter” still carries a more official, case-specific tone in modern business and legal correspondence.
Grammar Breakdown: Why Both Phrases Are Correct
Both phrases follow the same structure: preposition + demonstrative + noun (on/in + this + matter). English allows different prepositions with the same noun because each preposition contributes its own meaning, not because one is “more correct” than the other.
- On typically marks a topic or surface-level connection (“a book on gardening,” “comments on the proposal”).
- In typically marks being inside a situation, process, or defined space (“in the meeting,” “in the lawsuit”).
Applied to “matter,” that same logic holds: on keeps you at the level of subject matter, while in places you inside a specific case or situation.
“On This Matter” vs. “In This Matter”: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I’d like your opinion on this matter. | You’re asking for a view on a topic. |
| Our legal team is advising us in this matter. | You’re describing a role inside a case. |
| The committee reached a decision on this matter. | The topic was discussed and resolved. |
| The witness testified in this matter. | The witness is a participant in the case. |
Can They Ever Be Used Interchangeably?
Rarely, and usually only in casual speech where precision matters less. In formal, legal, or business writing, the two phrases should stay distinct: “on this matter” for topics and opinions, “in this matter” for cases and involvement. Swapping them in a legal document can actually blur meaning — for instance, “our position in this matter” states a stance within a case, while “our position on this matter” states an opinion about a topic. Using the wrong one can make a document sound less precise, even if it’s not technically ungrammatical.
A Simple Rule to Choose the Right Phrase
Ask yourself: am I discussing this, or am I part of it?
- If you’re commenting, opining, or updating someone → on this matter.
- If you’re acting, representing, deciding, or involved in a case → in this matter.
This is a practical memory aid, not an official grammar rule — but it holds up in the vast majority of real sentences.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake: Using “In This Matter” for General Opinions
Incorrect: I think we should talk more in this matter. Correct: I think we should talk more on this matter. Explanation: Sharing an opinion is a topic-level action, so “on” is the natural fit.
Mistake: Using “On This Matter” for Formal Legal Cases
Incorrect: The lawyer representing us on this matter filed the paperwork. Correct: The lawyer representing us in this matter filed the paperwork. Explanation: Representing someone in a case describes involvement, not just discussion, so “in” fits better.
Mistake: Mixing Up “Discussing a Topic” with “Being Involved in a Case”
Incorrect: We have made progress on this matter and expect a ruling soon. (when describing a lawsuit’s status) Correct: We have made progress in this matter and expect a ruling soon. Explanation: Describing the state of a legal case is about involvement and process, not just the topic being discussed.
Where to Place Each Phrase in a Sentence
Both phrases usually appear at the end of a sentence or clause, right after the verb phrase they modify.
- Opening a letter or email: “I am writing to you on this matter” or “I am writing regarding our position in this matter.”
- Mid-sentence: “Our decision on this matter will be shared by Friday.”
- Closing a formal statement: “No further comment will be made on this matter at this time.”
Avoid starting a sentence with either phrase alone (e.g., “On this matter, we…”) in very formal writing, since it can read as abrupt; it works fine in everyday business emails.
Using Both Phrases in Formal and Professional Writing
Using “On This Matter” in Emails
- I wanted to follow up on this matter before our call tomorrow.
- Please let me know your thoughts on this matter at your earliest convenience.
- We appreciate your patience on this matter.
Using “In This Matter” in Emails and Legal Writing
- Our office will continue to act in this matter on your behalf.
- Kindly confirm your availability to discuss the next steps in this matter.
- The parties involved in this matter have reached a preliminary agreement.
Related Phrases: “In This Regard,” “Concerning This Matter,” and More
Several phrases overlap with “on this matter” and “in this matter” but carry slightly different shades of formality:
- In this regard — similar to “on this matter,” used to refer back to a topic just mentioned; common in formal writing.
- Concerning this matter — a more formal alternative to “on this matter,” often used in official letters.
- Regarding this matter — neutral and flexible; works in both topic-level and case-level contexts.
- In the matter of — a formal, often legal, lead-in used in case titles and official documents (echoing “in re”).
None of these are strict substitutes for “in this matter” when describing legal involvement, but they’re useful alternatives when you want to vary your phrasing.
Quick Reference Table: Which Phrase Fits Your Context
| Context | Recommended phrase |
|---|---|
| Casual conversation about a topic | On this matter |
| Business email sharing an opinion or update | On this matter |
| Legal document describing a case | In this matter |
| Formal letter describing your role or actions | In this matter |
| Academic or general writing about a subject | On this matter |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “on this matter” or “in this matter” grammatically correct? Both are grammatically correct. They are not errors of each other — they express different relationships to the subject, so the right choice depends on meaning, not correctness.
What’s the difference between “in this matter” and “in this case”? “In this case” usually refers to a specific example or instance being discussed, often outside a formal or legal context. “In this matter” more often signals a formal case, dispute, or situation with defined participants and actions.
Can I start a formal email with “On this matter” or “In this matter”? Yes, though it’s more common to lead with context first (“I am writing regarding…”) and place the phrase later in the sentence. Starting directly with either phrase is acceptable in shorter, less formal emails.
Is “in this matter” only used in legal writing? No. It appears often in legal and business writing, but it’s also used in any context where someone describes their involvement in a specific situation, such as an HR investigation or a customer complaint being handled.
What does “in re” mean, and how does it relate to “in this matter”? “In re” is Latin for “in the matter of” and is used to title legal cases, especially ones without a traditional opposing party. It reflects the same idea behind “in this matter” — being inside a specific case rather than discussing a general topic.
Is “regarding this matter” a better alternative to both phrases? It’s a flexible, neutral alternative that works in many contexts, but it doesn’t carry the same precise distinction between “discussing a topic” and “being involved in a case” that “on this matter” and “in this matter” do.
Can “on this matter” and “in this matter” ever mean the same thing? In casual speech, people sometimes use them loosely without much difference. In careful or formal writing, though, keeping the distinction intact makes your meaning clearer.
Which phrase is more polite or formal in business correspondence? Neither phrase is inherently more polite. Formality comes from the rest of the sentence and tone, not from choosing “on” over “in” or vice versa.
Is it correct to say “in this matter” when giving a personal opinion? It’s unusual. Personal opinions are typically framed with “on this matter,” since an opinion is about a topic, not a case you’re formally part of.
What’s the difference between “on the matter” and “on this matter”? “On the matter” refers to a matter already established or implied by context. “On this matter” points specifically to the matter just mentioned or currently under discussion. The meaning is the same; “this” simply makes the reference more immediate.
Is “concerning this matter” more formal than both phrases? It tends to sound slightly more formal than “on this matter” and is often used in official letters, but it doesn’t replace the case-specific meaning of “in this matter” in legal writing.
How do lawyers typically use “in this matter” in court documents? Lawyers use it to describe representation, actions, or positions tied to a specific case, such as “counsel for the plaintiff in this matter.” It signals formal involvement rather than general commentary.
Choosing the Right Phrase with Confidence
“On this matter” and “in this matter” both work — the difference is whether you’re discussing a topic or describing your involvement in a specific case. If you’re sharing an opinion or update, reach for “on this matter.” If you’re describing a role, action, or position within a case, use “in this matter.” Keeping that one distinction in mind is enough to use both phrases correctly in any formal or professional setting.
