In “On This Matter” vs. “In This Matter”, even a single preposition shapes credibility and makes your message clear or clumsy in professional writing. In my business experience, I’ve watched language shape credibility in real time.
A single preposition can tilt a message from confident to clumsy, especially across professional fields like law, academia, and formal writing. Many writers feel confused because these expressions look similar and seem interchangeable, yet they handle different jobs in different situations.
In This Matter usually refers to being involved, taking part, or showing participation in a specific situation, which implies close involvement, action, and careful consideration of the context.
On This Matter suggests standing at a distance, discussing, or giving opinions, views, and comments on a particular topic. That difference in tone often decides whether your words sound acceptable, clear, and polished, or unnatural and unclear.
Why This Small Difference Creates Big Confusion
You’ve likely seen both phrases in emails, contracts, reports, and academic writing. Sometimes they appear in the same document. That overlap fuels doubt.
Here’s the problem. English prepositions don’t just show position. They signal relationship, intent, and authority. When you pick the wrong one, your sentence still sounds grammatical. It just sounds off.
For example:
“I’d like your advice in this matter.”
Grammatically correct. Stylistically questionable. The speaker likely wanted feedback, not legal involvement.
Now compare:
“I’d like your advice on this matter.”
Same sentence. Clear intent. Natural tone.
That shift matters more than most people realize.
What “This Matter” Really Means in Modern English
Before choosing a preposition, you need to understand the noun it controls.
Matter refers to an issue that carries weight. It suggests importance, consequence, or formality. You rarely use it for trivial things.
Common meanings include:
- A subject under discussion
- A problem requiring attention
- A case or dispute
- A responsibility or duty
In professional English, “this matter” almost always points to something unresolved.
Think of it as a folder on a desk. The preposition tells you whether you’re talking about the folder or working inside it.
“On This Matter”: Meaning, Intent, and Correct Usage
“On this matter” means about, regarding, or concerning. It frames the speaker as commenting from the outside.
You use it when:
- Sharing an opinion
- Offering guidance
- Giving feedback
- Explaining a position
The phrase creates distance. That distance feels conversational, advisory, and non-binding.
Core Meaning in Plain English
You’re speaking about the issue, not acting within it.
Natural Examples
- “I’d like to share my thoughts on this matter.”
- “Please keep me updated on this matter.”
- “She spoke briefly on this matter during the meeting.”
Each example shows commentary, not control.
Where “On This Matter” Sounds Right
- Business emails
- Workplace discussions
- Academic commentary
- Customer service responses
It’s polite. It’s neutral. It keeps things open.
Where It Sounds Weak
- Legal documents
- Formal notices
- Official determinations
In those contexts, “on” can feel vague.
“In This Matter”: Meaning, Intent, and Correct Usage
“In this matter” signals involvement. It places the speaker inside the issue.
This phrase implies:
- Authority
- Responsibility
- Jurisdiction
- Formal participation
That’s why it dominates legal and administrative writing.
Core Meaning in Plain English
You’re acting within the issue, not merely discussing it.
Natural Examples
- “The court issued a ruling in this matter.”
- “I represent the client in this matter.”
- “No further action will be taken in this matter.”
Each sentence signals closure, control, or process.
Where “In This Matter” Belongs
- Legal briefs
- Contracts
- Government correspondence
- Internal investigations
It sounds official because it is official.
Where It Sounds Awkward
- Casual emails
- Team chats
- Informal requests
Using it there can feel stiff or overly dramatic.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Meaning, Tone, and Impact
The difference becomes obvious when you compare them directly.
| Aspect | On This Matter | In This Matter |
| Core Meaning | About the issue | Within the issue |
| Tone | Neutral, advisory | Formal, authoritative |
| Speaker Role | Commentator | Participant or authority |
| Common Context | Emails, discussion | Legal, official |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
Quick Interpretation Trick
If you can replace the phrase with “about this issue”, use on.
If you can replace it with “within this case”, use in.
Why Prepositions Change Meaning So Drastically
Prepositions act like camera angles.
- “On” zooms out.
- “In” zooms in.
That’s not grammar trivia. That’s cognitive framing.
Linguists often describe “on” as an external reference marker. It places the speaker outside the subject.
“In” marks enclosure. It places the speaker inside a system, process, or boundary.
This distinction appears across English:
- On the topic vs. in the discussion
- On the case vs. in the case
- On the issue vs. in the dispute
Once you notice this pattern, the choice becomes intuitive.
Legal and Professional Usage: Precision Over Preference
Legal writing values precision over style. That’s why “in this matter” dominates.
Why Lawyers Prefer “In This Matter”
- It establishes jurisdiction
- It signals formal involvement
- It limits ambiguity
Courts avoid language that sounds advisory. They act within matters, not on them.
Real-World Legal Example
“Having reviewed the evidence in this matter, the court finds…”
Replacing “in” with “on” would weaken authority.
Professional Consequences of the Wrong Choice
Using “on this matter” in a legal notice can:
- Reduce perceived seriousness
- Create interpretive ambiguity
- Undermine authority
Precision protects credibility.
Historical Usage and Modern Trends
Historically, “in this matter” appeared more often in formal English. Legal Latin influenced early English law heavily. That influence favored enclosure-based language.
Over time, business communication softened. Emails replaced letters. Tone relaxed.
That shift boosted “on this matter” in modern writing.
Current Trend Snapshot
- Legal documents: still favor in
- Business communication: increasingly favors on
- Academic writing: uses both based on intent
The language evolved. The distinction stayed.
Common Mistakes Writers Make
Even experienced writers slip here.
Mistake One: Treating Them as Synonyms
They overlap but they don’t match. Intent matters.
Mistake Two: Overusing “In This Matter”
It can sound pretentious in casual settings.
Example:
“Can you update me in this matter?”
That feels heavy. “On this matter” fits better.
Mistake Three: Ignoring Audience
Tone shifts with context. A court expects formality. A colleague expects clarity.
Strong Alternatives That Sometimes Work Better
Sometimes neither phrase is ideal. English offers cleaner options.
Useful Alternatives
- Regarding this matter – neutral and flexible
- Concerning this issue – slightly formal
- With respect to this matter – formal and polite
- About this issue – conversational
When Alternatives Win
- When clarity matters more than tradition
- When tone needs softening
- When repetition becomes distracting
When They Fail
- In legal rulings
- In official determinations
- In binding agreements
Choose strength over habit.
Read More: Progressive Tenses in English Grammar: The Complete Practical Guide
Case Study: One Sentence, Two Outcomes
Consider this workplace email:
“We will follow up in this matter tomorrow.”
Interpretation:
- Formal
- Serious
- Possibly disciplinary
Now compare:
“We will follow up on this matter tomorrow.”
Interpretation:
- Routine
- Informational
- Non-threatening
Same action. Different emotional weight.
That’s not grammar. That’s psychology.
Quick Decision Guide You Can Use Every Time
Ask yourself three questions:
- Am I giving an opinion or acting officially?
- Do I sound like a participant or an observer?
- Would “about this issue” make sense here?
If yes:
Use on this matter.
If no:
Use in this matter.
Simple rule. Reliable outcome.
Quotes From Style Authorities
“Prepositions encode perspective, not just position.”
— Cambridge Grammar of the English Language
“Legal English favors enclosure metaphors because they limit interpretation.”
— Garner’s Dictionary of Legal Usage
These aren’t stylistic quirks. They’re intentional choices.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between “On This Matter” and “In This Matter”?
The main difference is position and involvement. In This Matter shows participation inside a specific situation. On This Matter shows you are speaking about a topic from the outside. One implies action and engagement. The other suggests opinion or discussion.
2. Can the two phrases be used interchangeably?
Not always. They may look similar, but they fit different contexts. In legal or formal writing, using the wrong phrase can change tone and clarity. That small shift can affect how professional your message sounds.
3. Which phrase is more common in professional writing?
Both appear in professional English. In This Matter is common in legal documents and official correspondence where involvement is direct. On This Matter appears more in emails, meetings, and discussions where someone is sharing views.
4. Does usage differ in American and British English?
The core meaning stays the same in American English and British English. However, frequency and tone may vary depending on formal settings and industry standards.
5. How can I avoid mistakes when choosing between them?
Focus on context. Ask yourself if you are participating in the situation or commenting on it. Study examples, notice patterns, and practice writing sentences in real scenarios. Over time, the right choice becomes natural.
Conclusion
Small language choices shape big impressions. A single preposition can influence clarity, tone, and credibility. When you understand how “On This Matter” vs. “In This Matter” works, you write with more precision and confidence. Instead of guessing, you choose with intention. That awareness strengthens your communication skills and helps your message stay clear, professional, and effective.
