grammar · neutral
No matter + wh‑word + clause, clause
Used to say 'whatever/however ...', showing that the result does not change despite different circumstances.
Examples
“No matter how busy I am, I try to exercise three times a week.”
“No matter what the critics say, the film was a box‑office success.”
“No matter where you live, access to healthcare is vital.”
Band 8 sentence
“No matter how compelling the immediate benefits may seem, policymakers must consider long‑term sustainability.”
Collocations
- No matter + wh‑word + clause
Common mistakes
No matter how is busy I am, I still read.→No matter how busy I am, I still read.
No matter what, you should finish homework.→No matter what happens, you should finish your homework.
Say it for a higher band
5Whatever + phrase→6Regardless of + noun→7+No matter + wh‑word + clause, clause
Synonyms
Whatever
Regardless of
Easily confused
Whatever + noun
“Whatever choice you make, you must accept the consequences.”
Regardless of + noun
“Regardless of the weather, the event will go ahead.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Complex sentences
Learn it with its set