Word focus: matter

The ability to use the strength of your mind to overcome or deal with pain or difficult situations (e.g. Running a marathon is all about _______—you have to push yourself ). a) mind over matter b) a matter of time c) no laughing matter

It's an expression usually used when speaking. It’s used to emphasize that something else is also true (e.g. He doesn’t like football, or any sport, __________. a) for that matter b) a matter of time

It will certainly happen (eventually), this expression is often preceded by ‘only’ or ‘just’. It’s only a matter of ________ before they find a solution to the problem.

If something is important to somebody, they use this expression to express that it’s one of their key values in life (e.g. I never borrow money as ______.) a) mind over matter b) a matter of principle c) a matter of course

It’s a serious situation. (e.g. Losing your passport in a foreign country is ________). a) for that matter b) a matter of time c) no laughing matter

Used to say something is not important or has no effect (e.g. ________ hard he tries, he can’t seem to understand the instructions.) a) mind over matter b) no matter how c) a matter of course

Done as a habit or routine or because it’s expected (e.g. She checks her emails first thing every morning as _______.) a) mind over matter b) a matter of time c) a matter of course