matter of course

/'mætərəv'kɔ:s/

Thân thiện

It is a matter of course that the sun rises in the east.

Definition

Noun: - An expected or inevitable outcome or event: Something that is considered natural, routine, or certain to happen, requiring no special attention or thought because it is part of the normal procedure. - A foregone conclusion: An ending or result that is accepted as inevitable.

Usage

The phrase "matter of course" is used to describe actions, events, or results that are so routine, logical, or expected that they happen automatically or without debate. It often implies that something is standard procedure. - It is commonly used with prepositions like as a or of (e.g., "as a matter of course"). - It can function as a noun phrase or, less commonly, as an adjectival phrase (e.g., "a matter-of-course procedure").

Examples

• As a noun phrase:
  • Checking passports at the border is a matter of course.
  • His promotion was a matter of course after his outstanding performance.
• With 'as a':
  • The company conducts background checks as a matter of course for all new hires.
  • She sends a thank-you note as a matter of course after every interview.

Advanced Usage

• In legal or formal contexts: Used to describe standard, non-discretionary parts of a process.
  • The judge dismissed the minor objection as a mere matter of course.
• To imply inevitability: Suggests an outcome was unavoidable and unsurprising.
  • Given the evidence, his conviction was a matter of course.

Variants and Related Words

• Matter-of-fact (adj): Straightforward, unemotional, or concerned with facts. (e.g., )
• Foregone conclusion (n): A result that is easily predicted or is certain. (e.g., )
• Par for the course (idiom): What is normal or expected in a given situation. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Inevitability
• Certainty
• Routine
• Standard procedure
• Automatic thing

Antonyms

• Exception
• Anomaly
• Surprise
• Uncertainty
• Extraordinary event

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Go without saying: To be obvious or understood without being stated. (e.g., ) This is similar in meaning to "as a matter of course" but is used for statements rather than actions.
• Part and parcel: An essential or integral part. (e.g., ) This emphasizes being an inherent component, whereas "matter of course" emphasizes routine inevitability.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an inevitable ending

Từ đồng nghĩa

• foregone conclusion