Choosing between on this matter or in this matter can feel tricky because both phrases sound natural in English. If you have ever paused before writing an email and wondered whether you should say, “I agree with you on this matter” or “I agree with you in this matter,” you are not alone. 🤔
The good news is that the difference is easier to understand once you look at the meaning of each preposition. In most modern English, on this matter is the more natural choice when you mean “about this issue” or “concerning this subject.” In this matter can also be correct, but it usually has a different sense. It often means “in this particular situation” or “in dealing with this issue.”
I have seen this small preposition choice cause problems in emails, school writing, business messages, and even formal reports. The words are close, but they do not always do the same job. ✍️
Let’s break down the difference in a simple way. Root vs Route | Drivers or Drivers License | I Sent vs I Have Sent vs I Had Sent an Email
🎯 Quick Answer: On This Matter or In This Matter?
On this matter or in this matter depends on what you want to say. Use on this matter when you mean “about this issue” or “concerning this subject.” Use in this matter when you mean “in this particular situation” or “when dealing with this issue.”
For example:
- “We agree on this matter.” ✅
- “We need your help in this matter.” ✅
The first sentence focuses on agreement about an issue. The second focuses on someone’s involvement or help in a particular situation.
As a simple rule, on often points to the subject being discussed, while in often points to involvement in a situation.
Is On This Matter the More Natural Choice? 📝
Yes. On this matter is usually the more natural phrase when you are talking about an opinion, position, agreement, disagreement, decision, or view concerning a specific issue.
Consider these examples:
- “We have the same opinion on this matter.” ✅
- “The committee disagrees on this matter.” ✅
- “I agree with you on this matter.” ✅
- “She has strong views on this matter.” ✅
Here, on introduces the topic or issue being discussed.
The phrase works especially well with words such as:
- opinion
- view
- position
- agreement
- disagreement
- decision
- discussion
- statement
- information
- comment
Examples in context
“We have different opinions on this matter.”
This means the people have different opinions about the issue.
“The manager and I agree on this matter.”
This means they share the same position about the issue.
“The report gives useful information on this matter.”
Here, the report provides information about the subject.
Quick reference table
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| on this matter | about this issue | We agree on this matter. |
| on this subject | about this subject | She spoke on this subject. |
| on this issue | about this issue | They disagree on this issue. |
| on this point | about this specific point | I agree on this point. |
Can You Use In This Matter Correctly? 💡
Yes. In this matter is also grammatically correct. However, it usually emphasizes involvement, action, help, judgment, or conduct within a particular situation.
For example:
- “I need your assistance in this matter.” ✅
- “Please advise me in this matter.” ✅
- “We trust your judgment in this matter.” ✅
- “The lawyer helped us in this matter.” ✅
In these sentences, the phrase does not simply mean “about this topic.” It points to a situation that requires action or attention.
Think of in this matter as something like:
“in this particular situation”
That meaning makes the phrase especially common in formal writing.
Compare the two
| Phrase | Main idea | Example |
|---|---|---|
| on this matter | about the issue | We agree on this matter. |
| in this matter | in this situation | We need help in this matter. |
| on this issue | about the issue | They disagree on this issue. |
| in this situation | within the situation | We must act carefully in this situation. |
On This Matter vs In This Matter at a Glance 🔍
The central difference is simple: on normally presents the matter as a topic, while in often presents the matter as a situation in which someone is involved.
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| on this matter | prepositional phrase | about this issue | I agree with you on this matter. | ✅ Correct |
| in this matter | prepositional phrase | in this situation | We need assistance in this matter. | ✅ Correct |
| on this matter | prepositional phrase | about the issue | She has a different view on this matter. | ✅ Correct |
| in this matter | prepositional phrase | in dealing with the issue | His judgment in this matter was sound. | ✅ Correct |
| on this matter | prepositional phrase | about a situation | I need your help on this matter. | ⚠️ Possible, but often less natural than “in this matter” depending on meaning |
The last example shows why context matters. English prepositions are not always interchangeable.
Why Do People Confuse On This Matter and In This Matter? 🤔
People confuse these phrases because matter can mean both a subject and a situation.
When matter means an issue being discussed, on is often the natural choice.
“We disagree on this matter.”
When matter means a particular situation requiring action, in can work naturally.
“Your advice in this matter would be helpful.”
I once reviewed a short business email where the writer used in in almost every sentence involving an issue. The grammar was not always wrong, but the writing sounded heavier than necessary. Changing some instances to on made the message much more natural.
This is a common problem with prepositions. Writers often search for one rule that works every time. English does not always work that way.
A useful comparison
| Meaning of matter | Preferred phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| topic or issue | on this matter | We agree on this matter. |
| particular situation | in this matter | Your help in this matter is valuable. |
| subject of discussion | on this matter | She spoke on this matter. |
| situation requiring judgment | in this matter | His decision in this matter was wise. |
| point of disagreement | on this matter | They disagree on this matter. |
What Does On This Matter Mean? 📚
On this matter means about this issue, concerning this subject, or regarding this point.
It is useful when the matter is being treated as a topic.
For example:
“I have nothing more to add on this matter.”
The speaker means there is nothing more to say about the issue.
Another example:
“The board has reached an agreement on this matter.”
The board reached an agreement about the issue.
Common patterns with on
You will often see these patterns:
- agree on this matter
- disagree on this matter
- comment on this matter
- speak on this matter
- decide on this matter
- report on this matter
- write on this matter
- have an opinion on this matter
- have a view on this matter
Sentence breakdown
“We need to reach an agreement on this matter.”
- We = subject
- need = verb
- to reach = infinitive
- an agreement = object
- on this matter = phrase identifying the subject of the agreement
The phrase tells us what the agreement concerns.
What Does In This Matter Mean? 🎯
In this matter usually means in this particular situation, when dealing with this issue, or as part of this situation.
For example:
“I appreciate your support in this matter.”
The speaker is thanking someone for support related to a particular situation.
Another example:
“We trust your judgment in this matter.”
This means we trust your judgment in handling or deciding this particular situation.
The phrase often appears in formal or professional language.
Common patterns with in
- assistance in this matter
- help in this matter
- advice in this matter
- judgment in this matter
- involvement in this matter
- action in this matter
- experience in this matter
- cooperation in this matter
- support in this matter
Meaning table
| Meaning | Word Type | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| about an issue | prepositional phrase | We agree on this matter. |
| concerning a subject | prepositional phrase | She commented on this matter. |
| in a particular situation | prepositional phrase | We need help in this matter. |
| while handling an issue | prepositional phrase | His judgment in this matter was excellent. |
How Do You Choose Between On and In? 💡
Choose on when the matter is mainly the subject of discussion, opinion, agreement, or disagreement. Choose in when the matter is mainly a situation in which someone is acting, helping, deciding, or becoming involved.
Here is a quick test.
Replace the phrase with “about this issue.”
If the sentence still makes sense, on this matter is often the better choice.
“We agree about this issue.”
“We agree on this matter.” ✅
Now try “in this situation.”
“We need your help in this situation.”
“We need your help in this matter.” ✅
💡 Test Tip
Ask yourself:
Am I talking ABOUT the issue?
Use on.
Am I talking about what someone does IN the situation?
Use in.
This test will not solve every possible sentence, but it works well for many common cases.
Case Study: A Professional Email 📝
Imagine that a company employee needs advice from a manager.
The employee writes:
“I would appreciate your guidance in this matter.”
This sounds natural because the employee wants help dealing with a particular situation.
Now imagine a meeting about a new company policy.
A manager says:
“We all agree on this matter.”
This works because the manager is talking about agreement concerning an issue.
Here is another example:
“I have spoken with the team on this matter.”
The speaker means they discussed the issue.
But:
“I need your assistance in this matter.”
The speaker wants help with the situation.
Case study table
| Situation | Better phrase | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing an opinion | on this matter | The matter is the topic. |
| Asking for assistance | in this matter | The matter is a situation requiring help. |
| Showing agreement | on this matter | Agreement concerns the issue. |
| Trusting someone’s judgment | in this matter | Judgment is being used within the situation. |
| Discussing an issue | on this matter | The issue is being discussed. |
Grammar Rules for On This Matter and In This Matter
The choice depends mainly on the relationship between the preposition and the noun matter.
On commonly introduces the topic of discussion, thought, opinion, or agreement.
In can indicate involvement within a situation or context.
Neither preposition is automatically wrong. The surrounding verb or noun often determines which phrase sounds natural.
For example:
“I agree on this matter.” ✅
The agreement concerns the matter.
But:
“I need assistance in this matter.” ✅
The assistance is connected with handling the situation.
Standard English reference works and dictionaries recognize both on and in as useful prepositions in different contexts. The key is not to memorize that one phrase is always correct. Instead, understand what the sentence means.
Correct vs Incorrect at a Glance
| Sentence | Correct/Incorrect | Why |
|---|---|---|
| We agree on this matter. | ✅ Correct | The matter is the subject of agreement. |
| I need your help in this matter. | ✅ Correct | The matter is a situation needing help. |
| She has a strong opinion on this matter. | ✅ Correct | The opinion concerns the issue. |
| His judgment in this matter was excellent. | ✅ Correct | Judgment concerns handling the situation. |
| We discussed in this matter yesterday. | ❌ Incorrect | “Discuss” normally takes the topic directly or uses “discussed this matter.” |
Common Mistakes With These Prepositions ⚠️
The biggest mistake is treating on and in as if they always mean exactly the same thing.
They do not.
Another problem is that writers sometimes add a preposition after a verb that does not need one.
For example:
“We discussed on this matter.” ❌
The natural version is:
“We discussed this matter.” ✅
You can also say:
“We had a discussion on this matter.” ✅
The structure changes because discuss and discussion behave differently.
I once caught myself typing “discussed on this issue” in a work note. I deleted the extra preposition before sending it. That small mistake is easy to make, especially when you are writing quickly.
Similar grammar confusions
| Confusion | Correct form | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| its / it’s | It’s cold. | Its cold. |
| your / you’re | You’re right. | Your right. |
| their / they’re | They’re ready. | Their ready. |
| affect / effect | It affected me. | It effected me. |
| on / in | We agree on this matter. | We agree in this matter. |
Why do these mistakes happen?
Three causes appear again and again:
1. Fast typing ⌨️
People often write the first preposition that comes to mind.
2. Autocorrect 📱
Automatic correction can sometimes reinforce a sentence that was never checked carefully.
3. Lack of knowledge 📖
If someone has never learned the difference, both forms may look interchangeable.
Specific wrong forms
| Wrong Form | What’s Wrong | Correct Form |
|---|---|---|
| agree in this matter | Wrong preposition for the usual meaning of agreement | agree on this matter |
| opinion in this matter | Often less natural when simply stating an opinion | opinion on this matter |
| discussed on this matter | “Discuss” does not need “on” | discussed this matter |
| comment in this matter | “Comment” about a topic normally uses “on” | comment on this matter |
| help on this matter | Can be possible, but may not express involvement clearly | help in this matter |
| speak in this matter | Usually wrong when meaning “speak about the issue” | speak on this matter |
When Should You Use On This Matter in Formal Writing? ✍️
Use on this matter in formal writing when you are referring to an issue, subject, decision, opinion, or point.
It works well in:
- reports
- business emails
- academic writing
- meeting notes
- official statements
- professional discussions
Examples include:
“The committee has not yet reached a decision on this matter.” ✅
“We would like to hear your opinion on this matter.” ✅
“The report provides further information on this matter.” ✅
The phrase is clear and professional.
However, do not use it simply because a sentence sounds formal. A shorter phrase may sometimes be better.
Instead of:
“We need to have a discussion on this matter.”
You can write:
“We need to discuss this matter.”
Both can be correct, but the second is shorter.
When Should You Use In This Matter in Formal Writing? 🏢
Use in this matter when you are talking about someone’s role, assistance, judgment, action, or involvement in a particular situation.
Examples:
“Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.”
“We trust your judgment in this matter.”
“The company has taken appropriate action in this matter.”
These sentences focus on what is happening within the situation, rather than simply discussing the issue.
Context comparison
| Context | Which Term to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday conversation | on | I agree with you on this matter. |
| Professional writing | on | We have reached a decision on this matter. |
| Professional request | in | We need your assistance in this matter. |
| Creative writing | Either, depending on meaning | Her view on this matter was clear. |
| Social media/texting | on | We’re totally on the same page on this matter. |
How Do On This Matter and In This Matter Work in Everyday Speech? 🗣️
In casual speech, people often avoid both phrases and use simpler expressions such as about this, about this issue, or in this situation.
For example:
“What do you think about this?”
This sounds more natural in casual conversation than:
“What is your opinion on this matter?”
The second sentence is correct, but it sounds more formal.
Still, on this matter is perfectly natural when the conversation is serious.
“I agree with you on this matter.”
In this matter can also appear in conversation, especially when someone is asking for help.
“I really need your advice in this matter.”
Everyday alternatives
| Formal Phrase | More Casual Alternative |
|---|---|
| on this matter | about this |
| on this issue | about this issue |
| in this matter | in this situation |
| regarding this matter | about this |
| concerning this matter | about this |
Common Phrases With On This Matter and In This Matter 📌
Both phrases appear in several useful expressions. The surrounding word often gives you a clue about which preposition works best.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| agree on this matter | share the same position about the issue |
| disagree on this matter | have different views about the issue |
| comment on this matter | give an opinion about the issue |
| speak on this matter | talk about the issue |
| opinion on this matter | a view concerning the issue |
| assistance in this matter | help with a particular situation |
These patterns are worth learning because they make writing faster.
Instead of trying to build every sentence from scratch, you can recognize common combinations.
What Are Better Alternatives to These Phrases? 🔄
Sometimes on this matter or in this matter is not the clearest option. A simpler phrase can make your writing easier to read.
For example, about this issue is often a good replacement for on this matter.
Likewise, in this situation can often replace in this matter.
Alternatives table
| Alternative | Works When | Does Not Work When |
|---|---|---|
| about this issue | discussing a topic | stressing involvement in a situation |
| regarding this issue | formal writing | very casual conversation |
| about this | casual discussion | highly formal legal writing |
| in this situation | describing circumstances | simply naming a discussion topic |
| concerning this matter | formal contexts | casual everyday speech |
A good editor does not choose the most formal phrase every time. I usually choose the phrase that makes the meaning easiest to understand.
Why Does Getting the Preposition Right Matter? 🎯
Small prepositions can change the way a sentence feels.
The difference may seem tiny, but clear writing depends on many small choices working together.
Clarity
The right preposition helps readers understand whether you mean a topic or a situation.
Professionalism
In a business email, small grammar choices can affect how polished your message sounds.
Digital communication
Emails, messages, reports, and social posts are often read quickly. Clear wording helps prevent confusion.
A useful writing principle is:
“Choose the word that makes your meaning easiest to see.”
You do not need complicated grammar to sound professional. You need clear grammar.
Why accuracy matters
| Situation | Why Getting It Right Matters |
|---|---|
| Resume | Shows careful writing skills. |
| Client email | Makes your message sound polished. |
| Published content | Builds reader trust. |
| Social post | Keeps your message clear and natural. |
Is On This Matter or In This Matter Better for Emails? 📧
There is no single winner for every email. The correct choice depends on the meaning.
Use on this matter when discussing an issue:
“I would like to clarify my position on this matter.”
Use in this matter when asking for help or referring to action within a situation:
“I would appreciate your assistance in this matter.”
Email examples
| Purpose | Natural sentence |
|---|---|
| Give an opinion | I agree with you on this matter. |
| Request help | I need your assistance in this matter. |
| Ask for a view | What is your opinion on this matter? |
| Trust judgment | We trust your judgment in this matter. |
| Discuss an issue | We would like to speak with you on this matter. |
For most business writing, these patterns sound natural and clear.
Can On This Matter and In This Matter Be Interchanged? 🤷
Not always.
Sometimes both forms may appear grammatically possible, but they can create a slightly different focus.
Compare:
“Your comments on this matter were helpful.”
This means the comments were about the issue.
Now:
“Your assistance in this matter was helpful.”
This means the assistance helped with the situation.
The noun before the prepositional phrase changes the natural preposition.
That is why memorizing matter + on or matter + in as a fixed rule is not enough. You should also look at the word that comes before the phrase.
A useful pattern
Opinion → on
Comment → on
Agreement → on
Discussion → on
Assistance → in
Help → in
Judgment → in
Involvement → in
This is not an absolute law of English. It is a useful guide for common constructions.
How To Remember the Difference 🧠
I use a simple mental picture.
Think of on as a topic written on a page.
You are talking on the subject.
Think of in as being inside a situation.
You are acting in that situation.
So:
Topic → ON
Situation → IN
Try these:
“My opinion ___ this matter.”
You are giving an opinion about a topic.
Answer: on. ✅
“I need your help ___ this matter.”
You need help with a situation.
Answer: in. ✅
Memory table
| Think of… | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| topic | on | opinion on this matter |
| issue | on | agreement on this matter |
| discussion | on | discussion on this matter |
| situation | in | help in this matter |
| action | in | action in this matter |
| judgment | in | judgment in this matter |
What Should You Use in Academic and Professional Writing? 🎓
In academic and professional writing, choose the phrase that matches the exact meaning.
On this matter is useful when presenting views, evidence, discussion, or agreement.
In this matter is useful when discussing action, assistance, judgment, or involvement.
For example:
“Researchers have different views on this matter.” ✅
“The committee needs further guidance in this matter.” ✅
Avoid forcing a formal preposition into every sentence. Clear writing is better than overly formal writing.
If about this issue says the same thing more naturally, use it when appropriate.
Quick Recap Checklist ✅
Use this checklist before publishing or sending your sentence.
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Am I talking about an issue? | on this matter |
| Am I expressing an opinion? | on this matter |
| Am I showing agreement? | on this matter |
| Am I discussing a subject? | on this matter |
| Am I asking for help with a situation? | in this matter |
| Am I referring to someone’s judgment? | in this matter |
| Am I describing involvement in a situation? | in this matter |
Practice examples
1. We agree ___ this matter.
Answer: on ✅
2. I appreciate your assistance ___ this matter.
Answer: in ✅
3. She has a strong opinion ___ this matter.
Answer: on ✅
The more examples you read, the easier these choices become.
FAQs About On This Matter vs In This Matter
Is “on this matter” grammatically correct?
Yes. On this matter is grammatically correct and commonly means “about this issue” or “concerning this subject.” It works especially well with words such as opinion, agreement, disagreement, comment, and discussion.
Is “in this matter” grammatically correct?
Yes. In this matter is also correct. It often means “in this particular situation” or “when dealing with this issue.” It commonly appears with words such as assistance, help, judgment, and involvement.
Which is more common, “on this matter” or “in this matter”?
On this matter is often the better choice when you are discussing a topic, issue, opinion, or agreement. In this matter is often better when you mean involvement or action within a particular situation.
Should I say “I agree on this matter” or “I agree in this matter”?
Use “I agree on this matter.” The preposition on is natural when the matter is the subject of agreement.
Should I say “your opinion on this matter” or “your opinion in this matter”?
Use “your opinion on this matter.” An opinion is normally expressed on a topic or issue.
Should I say “your help on this matter” or “your help in this matter”?
Both can occur, but “your help in this matter” is often natural when you mean help with a particular situation. If you simply mean help regarding an issue, context can make on possible too.
Is “discuss on this matter” correct?
No. Discuss normally takes its object directly. Say “We discussed this matter”, not “We discussed on this matter.” However, you can say “We had a discussion on this matter.”
Is “comment on this matter” correct?
Yes. Comment on this matter is a standard construction when someone gives a comment about an issue.
Can I replace “on this matter” with “about this matter”?
Often, yes. About this matter is usually clear and natural, especially in everyday English. On this matter can sound slightly more formal in some contexts.
How can I quickly remember the difference?
Think topic = on and situation = in. If you are talking about an issue, on this matter is often right. If you are acting, helping, or making a judgment within a situation, in this matter is often better.
Final Conclusion: On This Matter or In This Matter?
On this matter or in this matter becomes much easier once you focus on meaning rather than memorizing a single rule.
Use on this matter when you mean about this issue. It works well with opinions, agreement, disagreement, comments, discussions, and views.
Use in this matter when you mean in this particular situation. It works well with help, assistance, judgment, action, and involvement.
The easiest memory trick is simple: topic = on, situation = in. 🧠
I recommend reading the whole sentence before choosing the preposition. Look at the verb or noun that comes before matter. Words such as opinion and agreement often pair naturally with on. Words such as assistance and judgment often pair naturally with in.
You do not need to make your writing complicated to make it correct. Choose the preposition that makes your meaning clear.
When the matter is the topic, think ON. When the matter is the situation, think IN. ✅
Hi, I’m Nathan Reed. I’m a grammar and writing specialist at Grammariva. I work on practical grammar content that helps readers understand sentence structure, punctuation, vocabulary, and better writing habits.
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