A matter of time

What it means

If an event is described as a matter of time, the speaker regards that event as inevitable.

Example 1 of 3

Say it like this

It is only a matter of time before our repair workshop needs a larger room.

The speaker expects the workshop to outgrow its room based on steady visitor growth.

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Example 2 of 3

Say it like this

With so many volunteers offering help, it is a matter of time until we expand our schedule.

Until introduces the expected schedule expansion supported by volunteer interest.

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Example 3 of 3

Say it like this

The front tire was losing pressure rapidly, so it was only a matter of time before it went flat.

Was sets a past narrative frame, followed by the past tense verb went.

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Good to know

This expression conveys the speaker's reasoned conviction based on evidence, not an objective guarantee or physical law.

Quick check

Answer in your head. Answers next.

1. 1. Which sentence uses the correct fixed grammatical form of this expression?
   • A It is only a matter of time before we order more chairs.
   • B It is only matter of time before we order more chairs.
   • C It is only a matter time until we order more chairs.

Answers

1. 1. It is only a matter of time before we order more chairs.The standard phrase requires both the indefinite article 'a' before matter and the preposition 'of' before…