In/on this matter

Posted by Smokey Stover on April 10, 2008 at 15:02:

In Reply to: In/on this matter posted by Rodica on April 10, 2008 at 10:56:

: Could you explain me the the difference and use of 'in this matter' versus 'on this matter'?

In general, either is correct, both meaning "in regard to this matter." Often the preceding wording suggests a preference, as in, e.g., "I would like to have your opinion on this matter." But, on the other hand, "I'm not sure how to proceed in this matter." Sentences often begin, "In the matter of ...," and this is NOT interchangeable with "On the matter of...." (If you're in doubt you can say, "In regard to....") I can't give you a rule to cover all cases. The idiomatic use of prepositions is tricky even for native speakers.
SS