Cool MateIt does matter vs Matters
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It does matter
Top 1,000 (very common)
Matters
Top 1,000 (very common)
| It does matter | Matters | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪt dʌz ˈmætər//🇺🇸 //ɪt dʌz ˈmætər// | 🇬🇧 //ˈmætəz//🇺🇸 //ˈmætərz// |
| Meaning | It is important. | Things that are important or that need attention. |
| Example | In the end, it does matter how much effort you put into your work. | These issues are serious matters that we cannot ignore. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | it does matter how, it does matter what, it does matter when, it does matter who, it does matter where | important matters, serious matters, personal matters, legal matters |
| Antonyms | - | insignificance, unimportance |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'it doesn't matter'., Using it inappropriately in casual conversations as it might feel too strong., Overusing in statements that don't require emphasis. | Confused with 'matter' in singular versus plural use., Misusing 'matters' as a countable noun., Using 'matters' in an overly formal context. |
| Usage notes | Use when emphasizing the significance of something. Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. | Use 'matters' in discussions when emphasizing importance. Avoid using it in casual contexts without significance. |
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Frequently asked questions: It does matter vs Matters
What's the difference between It does matter and Matters?
It does matter: It is important. Matters: Things that are important or that need attention.
Can you show an example of each?
It does matter: In the end, it does matter how much effort you put into your work. Matters: These issues are serious matters that we cannot ignore.
Can I use It does matter and Matters interchangeably?
Not always. It does matter and Matters are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.