On This Matter vs In This Matter: The Real Difference, Clear Grammar Rules

In professional settings, clarity is not optional—it’s essential. On This Matter vs In This Matter: may look similar, but this small distinction shapes tone and meaning in powerful ways. In real business experience, strong communication depends on careful language and subtle nuance. Across professional fields like law and academia, especially in formal writing, selecting the right phrases can signal a clear difference in tone. One phrase highlights direction toward a message, while the other shows involvement or action taken. From my own practice, I’ve seen how choosing wisely avoids ambiguity and keeps meaning clear, particularly when working across industries where small grammatical choices carry weight.

Prepositions play a big role in how we communicate in English. These small words pack a punch. When looking at “on this matter” and “in this matter,” many assume they are interchangeable. However, the difference affects how you sound as a native speaker. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about expressing ideas clearly and accurately. When you are involved in a specific situation, “in this matter” implies participation and consideration within the context, as in “I will assist you in this matter.” When giving opinions or comments on a particular topic, “on this matter” suggests standing from a distance, such as “My opinion on this matter is different.” Understanding this key point helps you communicate with greater precision.

I often advise younger writers to study practical examples within their own field to find the best fit rather than copying trends. When you break apart terms and explore broader meanings, you begin to notice real-world usage instead of empty patterns. Mastering these subtle choices sharpens style and ensures clarity so your message is understood without confusion. Over time, you’ll stop pausing mid-email and wondering which phrase to write. Even if the phrases look almost identical and sound formal, a tiny shift in preposition changes meaning and context. Legal writing often favors one form, while business communication treats them differently. Learning this exact difference, avoiding common mistakes professionals make, and using a simple memory trick will help you choose what sounds natural and clear it up for good.

The Difference Between “On This Matter” and “In This Matter” at a Glance

If you remember nothing else, remember this:

• “On this matter” means about a topic.
• “In this matter” means within a situation, case, or formal proceeding.

Here’s a fast comparison:

Phrase	Core Meaning	Best Used For	Sounds Like
On this matter	About a subject	Discussion, advice, opinion	Conversational formal
In this matter	Within a case or situation	Legal, authority, process	Procedural, official

Now let’s unpack why that difference exists.

Why “On This Matter” vs “In This Matter” Confuses So Many Writers

At first glance, both phrases:

• Use the same noun: matter
• Sound formal and professional
• Appear in emails, legal documents, and reports
• Seem grammatically correct in similar sentences

So what’s the problem?

The confusion comes from abstract language. The word matter doesn’t describe something physical. It represents an issue, topic, or case. When language becomes abstract, prepositions carry more weight.

In English, prepositions aren’t random. They carry spatial logic:

• On suggests surface or subject focus.
• It suggests enclosure or internal involvement.

Even when we speak metaphorically, those spatial meanings linger.

Think about it:

• You speak on a topic.
• You act in a situation.
• You comment on an issue.
• You participate in a case.

Your brain already understands this pattern. You just haven’t labeled it.

What “On This Matter” Really Means

Let’s slow it down.

When you say “on this matter,” you’re referring to a subject or topic of discussion. You’re not inside it. You’re addressing it.

Core Meaning of “On This Matter”

It means:

• About this issue
• Regarding this topic
• Concerning this subject

It does not imply involvement inside a structured case.

Where “On This Matter” Appears Most

You’ll see it in:

• Business emails
• Corporate memos
• Academic discussions
• Policy commentary
• Professional correspondence

It signals conversation, not legal authority.

Examples of “On This Matter” in Action

Here are natural uses:

• I’d appreciate your feedback on this matter.
• We need clarification on this matter before proceeding.
• She shared her perspective on this matter during the meeting.
• Do you have any updates on this matter?

Notice something subtle. Each sentence focuses on discussion or input, not decision-making authority.

Now compare:

❌ The court will rule on this matter next week.
That can sound correct in some contexts, especially in American English. But when drafting formal legal language, courts often prefer “in this matter.” We’ll explore why shortly.

Tone and Connotation

“On this matter” sounds:

• Professional
• Neutral
• Advisory
• Discussion-oriented

It’s common in workplace communication because it softens statements.

For example:

• Please advise me on this matter.

It sounds formal but not rigid. You’re asking for input, not declaring jurisdiction.

What “In This Matter” Really Means

Now let’s turn to the second phrase.

When you say “in this matter,” you signal involvement within a specific case, issue, or formal process.

Core Meaning of “In This Matter”

It means:

• Within this case
• Inside this situation
• In the context of a formal proceeding

This phrase suggests structure. Often legal structure.

Where “In This Matter” Appears Most

You’ll commonly find it in:

• Court rulings
• Legal filings
• Arbitration decisions
• Formal investigations
• Government documentation

It’s procedural language.

Examples of “In This Matter” in Action

Here are natural uses:

• The judge will issue a decision in this matter tomorrow.
• She has no authority in this matter.
• The parties reached an agreement in this matter.
• The agency lacks jurisdiction in this matter.

Do you feel the difference?

These sentences imply:

• Authority
• Participation
• Jurisdiction
• Procedural action

You’re not just talking about the issue. You’re inside it.

Tone and Connotation

“In this matter” sounds:

• Formal
• Legalistic
• Official
• Structured

It creates distance. It signals hierarchy.

If you use it casually in a workplace email, it may sound overly stiff.

For example:

• I have no involvement in this matter.

That feels more legal than conversational.

The Grammar Behind “On This Matter” vs “In This Matter”

Prepositions seem small. They aren’t.

English prepositions often preserve physical metaphors:

Preposition	Literal Meaning	Abstract Meaning
On	On top of a surface	About a topic
In	Inside a container	Within a situation

Imagine a whiteboard in a meeting room.

When you write on the board, you address a topic.

When you’re in a meeting, you participate inside the situation.

That’s how English evolved.

Linguists call this conceptual metaphor theory. We map physical space onto abstract ideas.

So when you say:

• “On this matter,” you stand outside and comment.
• “In this matter,” you stand inside and act.

The grammar reflects perspective.

Direct Comparison: On This Matter vs In This Matter

Here’s a clearer side-by-side breakdown:

Feature	On This Matter	In This Matter
Meaning	About a subject	Within a case or proceeding
Usage Context	Business, academic	Legal, procedural
Implies Authority?	No	Often yes
Sounds Natural in Email?	Yes	Sometimes too formal
Common Verb Pairings	Comment on, advise on	Rule in, decide in

Common Verb Collocations

Language follows patterns. Certain verbs prefer one preposition.

Common with “On This Matter”:

• Advise on
• Comment on
• Provide input on
• Update on
• Clarify on

Common with “In This Matter”:

• Rule in
• Decide in
• Act in
• Participate in
• Intervene in

These patterns help you choose correctly.

Business Communication: Which Should You Use?

If you work in corporate settings, here’s the practical rule:

Use “on this matter” in most emails.

Why?

Because business communication values clarity and approachability.

Email Example: Before and After

Overly Formal Version

I would like to discuss your involvement in this matter.

That sounds legal. Almost accusatory.

Improved Version

I’d like to discuss your perspective on this matter.

It feels collaborative. That’s what you want.

When “In This Matter” Works in Business

Use it only when discussing:

• Responsibility
• Authority
• Jurisdiction
• Compliance

Example:

• The compliance department has final authority in this matter.

That works because it refers to structured decision-making.

Legal Writing: Why “In This Matter” Dominates

Legal English values precision and procedural clarity.

In court documents, you’ll often see:

The Court hereby rules in this matter.

That phrasing emphasizes that the ruling occurs within a specific case record.

Legal systems operate inside defined frameworks:

• Case numbers
• Jurisdiction boundaries
• Procedural rules

So “in this matter” fits that structure.

Legal Example Paragraph

The Respondent failed to provide evidence in this matter. Accordingly, the Court finds in favor of the Petitioner.

Notice how both use signal participation inside a case.

Legal language avoids ambiguity. “On this matter” could sound like commentary. “In this matter” signals procedural action.

Academic and Debate Contexts

Academia sits somewhere between business and law.

When presenting arguments, scholars often write:

• The author’s position on this matter remains unclear.
• Scholars disagree on this matter.

That’s discussion language.

However, when referencing investigations or formal inquiries:

• The committee issued findings in this matter.

That shifts into procedural territory.

Quick Guideline for Academic Writing

• Discussing ideas → Use on this matter
• Referring to structured investigations → Use in this matter

Quick Practice Test: Choose the Correct Phrase

Fill in the blanks.

• We need your input ___ this matter.
• The court will rule ___ this matter.
• She has no authority ___ this matter.
• Please provide clarification ___ this matter.
• The board made a final decision ___ this matter.

Answers

• On this matter
• In this matter
• In this matter
• On this matter
• In this matter

If you scored five out of five, you’ve mastered the difference.

Common Mistakes People Make

Even experienced writers slip.

Mistake One: Using Them Interchangeably

They aren’t synonyms. Context determines correctness.

Mistake Two: Overusing Formal Language

Instead of:

• Please advise me on this matter.

You can simply write:

• Please advise.

Clarity beats formality.

Mistake Three: Using “In This Matter” in Casual Emails

It can sound confrontational.

Compare:

• I have no involvement in this matter.
• I’m not involved with this issue.

The second feels human. The first feels like a courtroom transcript.

When You Should Avoid Both Phrases

Sometimes plain English works better.

Instead of:

• With respect to this matter, I must decline.

Try:

• I can’t move forward with this.

Strong writing favors clarity.

Here are simpler alternatives:

• About this issue
• Regarding this topic
• On this issue
• In this case
• Concerning this situation

Modern communication rewards direct language.

A Memory Trick You’ll Actually Remember

Picture this:

You stand on a stage and speak about something.

You sit in a courtroom and act inside a case.

So:

• About → On
• Inside → In

Short. Clear. Hard to forget.

Polished Alternatives to “On This Matter” and “In This Matter”

Sometimes both phrases feel stiff.

Here’s a table of better alternatives:

Situation	Better Option
Asking for feedback	What do you think about this?
Formal report	Regarding this issue
Legal writing	In this case
Academic paper	On this issue
Corporate email	About this topic

Language evolves. Formal phrases can feel outdated in modern communication.

Case Study: Email Rewrite for Clarity

Original Email

Please advise in this matter at your earliest convenience.

Sounds rigid.

Improved Version

Could you share your thoughts on this matter?

Better.

Even Cleaner Version

Could you share your thoughts?

Sometimes the strongest writing removes unnecessary phrases entirely.

Conclusion

The difference between “on this matter” vs “in this matter” may seem small, but it carries real weight in professional communication. One phrase shows involvement within a situation, while the other expresses an opinion about a topic. That tiny change in preposition shifts tone, meaning, and context. When you understand how each phrase works, your writing becomes clearer, more precise, and more confident—especially in legal, academic, and business settings.

FAQs

Q1. What is the main difference between “on this matter” and “in this matter”?

“In this matter” shows involvement in a specific situation, while “on this matter” refers to giving an opinion or comment about a topic.

Q2. When should I use “in this matter”?

Use “in this matter” when you are directly involved or taking part in a situation.

Q3. When should I use “on this matter”?

Use “on this matter” when you are sharing your views, opinions, or comments about a particular issue.

Q4. Are “on this matter” and “in this matter” interchangeable?

No, they are not interchangeable. Each phrase has a different tone and meaning depending on the context.

Q5. Why does this small difference matter in professional writing?

Because prepositions shape meaning and tone. Choosing the correct phrase avoids confusion and makes your communication more accurate and professional.