This matters because

Using this phrase is like following a simple recipe. Step one: State a clear fact or observation. Step two: Drop in this matters because. Step three: Explain the real-world impact on your audience. For example: 'We’ve increased our server speed by 40%.' (Fact). This matters because (The Bridge) 'our users won't get frustrated and delete the app.' (Impact). It works best when the 'because' part is personal. Don't just say why it matters in general; say why it matters to the person standing in front of you. If you’re talking to a toddler, it matters because they get a cookie. If you’re talking to a CEO, it matters because they save a million dollars. If you’re talking to your cat, well, it probably doesn't matter, but say it anyway to feel important.

This phrase is a bit of a chameleon. It’s the tuxedo of transitions—sharp enough for a TED Talk or a board meeting—but it can also wear jeans for a deep conversation at a coffee shop. In a professional setting, it sounds authoritative and results-oriented. It shows you aren't just a 'data person' but a 'strategy person.' In a casual setting, like telling a friend about a new hobby, it adds a layer of passion. 'I started learning Japanese, and this matters because I can finally watch anime without reading subtitles!' It's rarely 'informal' in a slangy way, but it's never too stiff. It’s that sweet spot of 'Neutral-to-Formal' that makes you sound like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re currently wearing mismatched socks.

Imagine you’re on a Zoom interview. You say, 'I have five years of experience in Excel.' Boring, right? The interviewer is already thinking about their lunch. Now, add the bridge: 'I have five years of experience in Excel, and this matters because I can automate your weekly reports, saving your team ten hours a week.' Boom! You just became the hero of the office. Or think about a travel vlogger on YouTube. 'The water here is incredibly clear.' (Cool). This matters because (Wait for it...) 'you can actually see the coral reefs from the surface without diving gear.' (Now I’m booking a flight). Even in a text message to a partner: 'I finished the laundry early. This matters because now we can binge-watch that new show tonight.' It’s the secret sauce of persuasive communication.

Use it whenever you feel the 'engagement gap'—that moment when you see someone’s eyes glaze over. It’s your emergency brake for boredom. It’s particularly powerful in pitches, persuasive essays, or when you’re trying to convince your parents why you need a new laptop. If you’re explaining a complex topic, like how AI works or why the price of eggs went up, use this phrase to bring it back to earth. It’s a tool for connection. If the information you’re giving is abstract or 'dry,' this phrase is the glass of water that helps your audience swallow it. It’s also great for social media captions where you only have two seconds to grab someone's attention before they swipe away to a video of a dancing capybara.

Don’t be the person who uses a sledgehammer to crack a nut. If the reason is incredibly obvious, using this matters because makes you sound condescending or weirdly dramatic. 'It is raining. This matters because you will get wet.' Thanks, Captain Obvious. Also, avoid using it in fast-paced casual banter. If your friends are joking around about a movie, don't stop the flow to give a three-point lecture on why the cinematography matters. You’ll go from 'cool friend' to 'that person who talks like a LinkedIn post' very quickly. Use it for things that actually *do* matter, not for explaining why you chose the blue pen instead of the black one. Unless the blue pen is magic. Then, by all means, explain away.

A very common slip-up is saying ✗ 'This is matter because.' In English, 'matter' acts as a verb here, so you don't need 'is.' It’s just This matters. Another mistake is being too vague after the 'because.' If you say, 'We changed the UI, and this matters because it’s better,' you haven't actually said anything. *Why* is it better? Is it faster? Prettier? Does it stop people from accidentally deleting their accounts? Be specific! Lastly, don't confuse it with 'It matters because.' While similar, This matters points directly to the specific thing you just said, making it feel more precise and immediate. 'It matters' feels a bit more general and distant, like a philosopher talking about the universe while staring at a clouds.

If you find yourself saying this matters because every five minutes, you might start sounding like a broken robot. Mix it up! You can say, 'The reason this is important is...', 'Why should you care? Well...', or 'Here’s why it counts.' If you want to be a bit more casual, try 'The big takeaway here is...' or simply 'Essentially, this means...'. In a high-level business meeting, you might hear 'The strategic implication is...'. These all do the same job—connecting the dots—but they change the 'flavor' of the sentence. Think of them like different Instagram filters for the same photo. One is 'Professional,' one is 'Chilled,' and one is 'High Impact.' Choose the one that fits your vibe.

Is this matters because too formal for a text? Not at all! Just make the reason casual. 'I'm five minutes away. This matters because the happy hour ends in six minutes!' Is it the same as 'This is important because'? Almost. This matters feels a bit more modern and active, whereas 'This is important' is a classic, slightly more traditional way of saying it. Can I use it at the start of a sentence? Usually, it follows a statement, but you can start a new sentence with it to add emphasis. It creates a powerful pause. Just remember: if you use it, you better have a good reason ready, or you'll leave your audience hanging like a bad cliffhanger in a TV show finale.