At the A1 level, 'mattered' is a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a way to say something was 'important' in the past. Imagine you are talking about a game or a school day. If you say 'The game mattered,' you mean the game was a big deal to you. You use it when you want to talk about your feelings or things you liked. It is the past tense of 'matter.' Usually, at this level, we say 'It was important,' but 'It mattered' is a shorter way to say the same thing. You will mostly see it in simple stories. For example, 'I lost my toy. It mattered to me.' This shows that the toy was special. It is a good word to use when you want to explain why you were happy or sad about something that happened yesterday or a long time ago. Just remember, 'mattered' is for the past. If you are talking about now, you say 'matters.'
For A2 learners, 'mattered' is a useful verb to describe the significance of past events. You are starting to talk more about your opinions and reasons. When you use 'mattered,' you are giving a reason why something was significant. For instance, 'I studied hard because the test mattered.' This shows the connection between the importance of the test and your action of studying. You can also use it in the negative: 'The rain didn't matter because we were inside.' This is a very common way to say that something was not a problem. At this level, you should practice using 'mattered to [someone].' This helps you talk about other people's feelings too. 'The present mattered to my mother.' It is a simple but powerful word that helps your English sound more natural and less like a list of basic adjectives.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'mattered' in various sentence structures. You can use it to talk about abstract ideas, not just physical objects. For example, you might say, 'The truth mattered more than his pride.' This shows a more complex understanding of values. You can also start using adverbs with it, like 'really mattered' or 'hardly mattered.' This level is where you begin to see 'mattered' in news articles or books. You might read a sentence like, 'It mattered that the two leaders met in person.' This means the meeting was a key part of the story. You should also understand the phrase 'It wouldn't have mattered,' which is used to talk about things that don't change the result. For example, 'Even if I had run faster, it wouldn't have mattered; I still would have missed the bus.' This shows you are moving into more advanced grammar.
B2 learners should use 'mattered' to express nuance and weight in their arguments. At this level, you are expected to discuss social issues, work projects, and complex emotions. 'Mattered' is perfect for this. You might use it in a formal essay: 'The cultural context of the poem mattered as much as the language itself.' This shows you can analyze things deeply. You should also be aware of the difference between 'mattered' and its synonyms like 'was significant' or 'was consequential.' While 'mattered' is often more personal or emotional, 'was significant' is more objective. You can also use 'mattered' in more sophisticated negative constructions, such as 'Little did they know how much that small error mattered.' This uses inversion for emphasis. At B2, 'mattered' becomes a tool for highlighting the most important parts of your narrative or argument, allowing you to guide the reader's attention to what truly counts.
At the C1 level, 'mattered' is used with precision to convey subtle shades of meaning. You understand that 'mattered' can imply not just importance, but also validity and existence. In a philosophical or literary discussion, you might use it to explore the 'mattering' of human life or historical movements. You are likely to use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'What mattered most was not the eventual success of the venture, but the integrity with which it was pursued.' This level of English involves balancing different ideas, and 'mattered' is a key verb for that balance. You also recognize its use in idiomatic expressions and can distinguish between its literal and metaphorical meanings. You might use it to dismiss a counter-argument in a debate: 'While that point is interesting, it hardly mattered in the final analysis.' This shows a high level of control over the register and tone of your language.
For C2 speakers, 'mattered' is a versatile verb that can be deployed in highly specialized contexts. You might use it in legal writing to discuss 'material' facts—those that 'mattered' to the outcome of a case. In scientific discourse, you use it to discuss variables that 'mattered' for the statistical significance of a study. At this level, you are also sensitive to the rhythmic and rhetorical power of the word. You might use it in a speech for emotional impact: 'They fought because they believed that their voices mattered.' You understand the deep existential weight the word can carry. You are also fully aware of its historical usage and how it has evolved in different dialects of English. Your use of 'mattered' is effortless, whether you are writing a technical report, a piece of creative fiction, or engaging in a high-level academic debate. It is a word that you use to define the very essence of what is valuable.

mattered 30秒了解

  • Mattered is the past tense of 'matter,' meaning to have been important or significant.
  • It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object; something simply 'mattered.'
  • It is often used with the preposition 'to' to indicate who found the thing important.
  • Commonly used in the negative ('didn't matter') to dismiss the importance of a past event.

The word mattered is the past tense form of the verb 'matter,' which fundamentally describes the state of having importance, significance, or consequence. When we say something mattered, we are looking back at a specific point in time or a specific event and acknowledging that it carried weight or had a meaningful impact on a situation, a person, or the world at large. It is a word deeply rooted in value judgments and emotional resonance. Unlike words that describe physical actions, 'mattered' describes a state of being relevant. In the grand tapestry of human experience, we use this word to distinguish between the trivial and the essential. If a decision mattered, it means the outcome changed the course of a life. If a person mattered, it means their existence and actions left a mark on others. The beauty of the word lies in its subjectivity; what mattered to one person in 1920 might not matter to another today, yet the word captures that historical or personal truth perfectly.

Emotional Significance
This refers to how much a particular event or person affected someone's feelings or internal state. For example, 'Her opinion always mattered to him,' suggests a deep level of respect and emotional connection where her thoughts influenced his happiness or choices.
Historical Consequence
In a broader context, 'mattered' is used to describe events that changed history. 'The discovery of penicillin mattered because it saved millions of lives,' highlights the objective importance of an event in the timeline of human progress.
Logical Necessity
In technical or logical discussions, it indicates that a variable or fact was necessary for a specific result. 'The temperature mattered during the chemical reaction,' means that if the temperature had been different, the result would have failed.

Even though they lost the game, the effort they put in mattered more than the final score.

People use 'mattered' most frequently when reflecting on the past. It is a common feature in memoirs, historical accounts, and deep personal conversations. It often appears in the negative to dismiss previous concerns, such as saying 'It never mattered anyway,' to indicate that a past worry was actually insignificant. However, its most powerful use is in the affirmative, validating the worth of an experience. When we say 'It mattered to me,' we are asserting our values and demanding that our perspective be recognized. It is a verb of validation. In professional settings, it might be used to evaluate the success of a project: 'The feedback from the initial users mattered immensely for the final design.' Here, it emphasizes that the feedback was a critical driver of the outcome. The word bridges the gap between objective fact and subjective feeling, making it one of the most versatile verbs for expressing value.

In the end, only the memories we shared mattered.

It mattered a great deal that the team arrived on time for the presentation.

Nothing mattered as much as his family's safety during the storm.

Whether he liked it or not, the rules mattered and had to be followed.

Using 'mattered' correctly requires an understanding of its role as an intransitive verb. This means it does not take a direct object. You cannot 'matter something'; instead, something 'matters.' The subject of the sentence is the thing that possesses the quality of importance. For example, in the sentence 'The evidence mattered,' 'The evidence' is the subject that is important. Because it is the past tense, it is used to describe situations that have already occurred or states of importance that existed in the past. It is frequently paired with adverbs of degree to specify just how much importance something held.

With Adverbs of Degree
Common pairings include 'mattered greatly,' 'mattered immensely,' 'mattered little,' or 'mattered not at all.' These adverbs help quantify the significance. 'The delay mattered little because we were already ahead of schedule.'
The 'It' Subject Pattern
A very common structure is 'It mattered that [clause].' Here, 'it' is a dummy subject, and the real subject is the clause that follows. 'It mattered that he was honest,' means his honesty was the important factor.
Negative Constructions
Using 'didn't matter' or 'never mattered' is a standard way to dismiss the importance of something. 'It didn't matter what they thought; she was going to follow her dreams.'

Every detail mattered when they were reconstructing the ancient vase.

In complex sentences, 'mattered' often serves as the anchor for a comparison. 'It mattered more than anything else,' or 'It mattered less than we expected.' This comparative use is vital for prioritizing information. In narrative writing, 'mattered' can be used to build tension or reveal character motivations. If a character says, 'That money mattered to me,' it tells the reader about their needs or greed. If a scientist says, 'The data mattered,' it emphasizes their commitment to truth. The verb is also essential in 'if-clauses' to discuss hypothetical importance: 'If it had mattered, I would have told you.' This shows how the past tense form is used within the third conditional to discuss past possibilities that did not happen.

The fact that she had no experience mattered less than her willingness to learn.

It mattered to the community that the library remained open on weekends.

Whatever happened in the past mattered only if it affected the present.

The word 'mattered' is ubiquitous in English, appearing in everything from high-stakes political speeches to intimate bedroom whispers. In the world of entertainment, it is a staple of dramatic dialogue. Think of a movie climax where a character realizes that their previous goals were hollow; they might say, 'I thought the fame mattered, but I was wrong.' This usage highlights a shift in values. In music, the word is famously used in Metallica's 'Nothing Else Matters,' where it emphasizes the singular importance of a personal connection over the opinions of the outside world. This song alone has made the word 'matters' and its past tense 'mattered' iconic in global pop culture.

In Literature and Memoirs
Authors use 'mattered' to establish the themes of their stories. In 'The Great Gatsby,' the things that mattered to Gatsby—wealth, status, and Daisy—drive the entire tragic plot. Memoirs often use the word to reflect on childhood: 'Back then, the only thing that mattered was having my bike fixed by Saturday.'
In Legal and Forensic Contexts
Lawyers and investigators use 'mattered' to discuss the relevance of evidence. 'The timing of the phone call mattered because it established the defendant's location.' Here, it is synonymous with 'was legally significant.'
In News and Journalism
Journalists use it to explain the impact of events. 'The vote mattered because it signaled a major shift in public opinion.' It helps the reader understand why they should care about a specific news item.

In the courtroom, every word of the witness mattered for the final verdict.

In daily life, you will hear 'mattered' in apologies and reconciliations. 'I'm sorry, I didn't realize how much that meeting mattered to you.' It is a word of empathy. Conversely, it is used in self-defense: 'It mattered to me even if you didn't think it was a big deal.' In the workplace, managers use it during performance reviews: 'Your contribution to the project really mattered.' This reinforces the employee's value. In the digital age, we see it in social media movements, such as 'Black Lives Matter,' which, while using the present tense, is fundamentally about asserting that certain lives have always mattered and must continue to matter. The word is a tool for social justice, personal growth, and historical analysis, making it an essential part of any English speaker's vocabulary.

The teacher told the students that their unique perspectives mattered in the classroom.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'mattered' is treating it like an adjective rather than a verb. Because 'important' is an adjective, learners often try to use 'mattered' in the same way. For example, saying 'It was mattered' is a common error. In English, you should say 'It mattered' (verb) or 'It was important' (adjective). The word 'mattered' already contains the 'was' or 'did' sense within its past tense form. Another common error involves the use of prepositions. While 'mattered to' is correct for people, learners sometimes use 'mattered for,' which is less common and often sounds slightly off unless referring to a specific purpose (e.g., 'It mattered for the sake of the project').

Confusion with 'Materialized'
Sometimes learners confuse 'mattered' with 'materialized' because both relate to 'matter.' However, 'materialized' means to become real or appear, while 'mattered' means to be important. 'The ghost materialized' vs 'The ghost's presence mattered.'
Incorrect Passive Voice
As mentioned, 'mattered' is intransitive. You cannot say 'The issue was mattered by the public.' The correct form is 'The issue mattered to the public.'
Misusing 'It'
Learners sometimes forget the 'it' in the dummy subject construction. They might say 'Mattered that he came,' instead of 'It mattered that he came.'

Incorrect: It was mattered to me.
Correct: It mattered to me.

Another subtle mistake is using 'mattered' when 'meant' is more appropriate. While they are similar, 'meant' often refers to intention or definition, while 'mattered' refers to value. 'He meant a lot to me' and 'He mattered a lot to me' are both correct, but 'meant' is slightly more common for personal relationships. In contrast, for abstract concepts like 'The truth mattered,' 'meant' would not work. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the negative past tense. They might say 'It not mattered,' instead of the correct 'It didn't matter' or 'It mattered not' (the latter being very formal/archaic). Understanding that 'mattered' is a regular verb that follows standard past tense rules will help avoid these pitfalls.

Incorrect: The score mattered for the win.
Correct: The score mattered for the championship ranking.

While 'mattered' is a powerful and common word, English offers several synonyms that can provide more specific nuances depending on the context. Choosing the right alternative can make your writing more precise and sophisticated. For instance, 'counted' is a very common informal synonym, often used in sports or simple evaluations. 'Signified' is a more formal and academic alternative, often used when discussing the meaning or symbolic importance of something. 'Weighed' is used metaphorically to describe how much influence something had in a decision-making process.

Counted
Often used to mean 'was valid' or 'was included in the total.' Example: 'In the end, every vote counted.' This is very close to 'mattered' but focuses more on the act of being included.
Signified
Used when something is important because it represents something else. Example: 'The handshake signified the end of the war.' This is more about meaning than just importance.
Carried weight
An idiom meaning to have influence or importance. Example: 'His opinion carried weight in the office.' This implies that the importance led to actual influence over others.

The evidence mattered (or 'was crucial') to the investigation.

Other alternatives include 'was significant,' 'was consequential,' and 'made a difference.' 'Was significant' is perhaps the most direct academic equivalent. 'Was consequential' is even more formal and implies that the thing led to important results. 'Made a difference' is a very positive and common phrase used to describe the impact of an action or person. For example, 'Her help really made a difference' is a warmer way of saying 'Her help mattered.' In negative contexts, instead of 'didn't matter,' you might use 'was irrelevant' or 'was trivial.' 'Irrelevant' means it had no connection to the topic, while 'trivial' means it was small and unimportant. By varying your choice of words, you can convey exactly what kind of importance you are talking about.

The small details mattered (or 'were vital') for the success of the mission.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The word 'matter' and 'mother' (Latin 'mater') are thought to be distantly related, as 'materia' was seen as the 'mother' or source of all physical things.

发音指南

UK /ˈmætəd/
US /ˈmætərd/
The stress is on the first syllable: MAT-tered.
押韵词
shattered battered scattered clattered flattered tattered pattered spattered
常见错误
  • Pronouncing the 'ed' as a separate syllable (mat-ter-ed). It should be two syllables.
  • Forgetting the flap 't' in American English, making it sound too sharp.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Common in literature and news, easily understood from context.

写作 4/5

Requires understanding of intransitive verb structures and dummy subjects.

口语 3/5

Natural in conversation, especially in the negative form.

听力 2/5

Clearly pronounced and usually emphasized in speech.

接下来学什么

前置知识

matter important value past thing

接下来学习

significant consequence relevance impact priority

高级

ontological metaphysical consequential materiality substantiate

需要掌握的语法

Past Tense of Regular Verbs

Matter -> Mattered

Intransitive Verbs

Something matters (No object).

Dummy Subject 'It'

It mattered that she called.

Prepositional Phrases with 'To'

It mattered to the king.

Adverbs of Degree

It mattered immensely.

按水平分级的例句

1

The red car mattered to the little boy.

The red car was important to the boy.

'Mattered' is the past tense of 'matter.'

2

It mattered that she was happy.

Her happiness was important.

'It' is a dummy subject here.

3

The weather mattered for our walk.

The weather was important for the walk.

'Mattered' describes the significance of the weather.

4

My dog mattered to me very much.

My dog was very important to me.

Use 'to' to show who it was important to.

5

The small gift mattered a lot.

The little present was very important.

'A lot' is an adverbial phrase of degree.

6

It didn't matter that it was late.

The lateness was not important.

'Didn't matter' is the negative past tense.

7

The name of the book mattered.

The book's name was important.

Simple subject-verb structure.

8

Did the color matter to you?

Was the color important to you?

Question form using 'did.'

1

The price of the tickets mattered to us.

The ticket cost was important for our budget.

'Mattered' relates to a specific concern (price).

2

It mattered that we arrived before the store closed.

Arriving on time was important.

'It mattered that' followed by a clause.

3

Nothing else mattered except the finish line.

Only the finish line was important.

'Nothing else mattered except' is a common pattern.

4

The teacher said our homework mattered.

The teacher said homework was important.

Reported speech using 'mattered.'

5

It mattered to her that he called.

His phone call was important to her.

Focuses on emotional importance.

6

The size of the room mattered for the party.

The room size was important for the event.

'Mattered for' shows the purpose.

7

It didn't matter what we ate for dinner.

The dinner choice was not important.

Dismissing importance with 'didn't matter.'

8

Why did that old photo matter so much?

Why was that old picture very important?

Question with 'why' and 'so much.'

1

It mattered immensely that the community supported the project.

The community's support was extremely important.

'Immensely' is a strong adverb of degree.

2

The decision mattered more than they initially realized.

The decision was more important than they thought at first.

Comparative 'more than.'

3

Whether he succeeded or failed mattered little to his parents.

His parents didn't care much about the result.

'Mattered little' means it wasn't very important.

4

It mattered that the evidence was handled carefully.

Careful handling of evidence was significant.

Passive clause within the 'it mattered that' structure.

5

The historical context of the building mattered to the architects.

The building's history was important for the design.

Abstract subject (historical context).

6

It wouldn't have mattered if we had stayed longer.

Staying longer would not have changed anything.

Third conditional usage.

7

What mattered most was the safety of the passengers.

The most important thing was passenger safety.

'What mattered most' acts as the subject.

8

The silence in the room mattered as much as the words spoken.

The quiet was just as significant as the talking.

Comparison using 'as much as.'

1

The nuances of the contract mattered for the long-term partnership.

Small details in the contract were vital for the future.

'Nuances' as a complex subject.

2

It mattered that the research was peer-reviewed before publication.

Peer review was a crucial step for the research.

Focus on professional standards.

3

The candidate's previous experience mattered less than her potential.

Her potential was more important than her past jobs.

Comparative 'less than.'

4

It mattered to the voters that the politician kept his promises.

Keeping promises was significant for the voters.

Social/political context.

5

The specific wording of the law mattered in the final ruling.

The exact words of the law were important for the judge.

Legal significance.

6

It hardly mattered that the sun was shining during the funeral.

The nice weather was not important given the sad event.

'Hardly mattered' for irony or contrast.

7

The fact that they were siblings mattered in the inheritance case.

Their family relationship was important for the legal case.

'The fact that' clause as subject.

8

Every second mattered during the emergency surgery.

Time was extremely critical during the operation.

Emphasis on urgency.

1

The philosophical implications of the discovery mattered to the scientific community.

The deeper meaning of the discovery was significant.

Abstract and academic context.

2

It mattered not that he was wealthy; he still lacked true friends.

His wealth was not important for his social life.

Formal/literary 'mattered not.'

3

What truly mattered in the end was the legacy they left behind.

The most important thing was their lasting impact.

Existential/reflective tone.

4

The subtle shifts in the market mattered immensely to the investors.

Small market changes were very important for the investors.

Precision in economic context.

5

It mattered that the artist's intentions were misunderstood by the critics.

The critics' misunderstanding was a significant issue.

Complex social interaction.

6

Whether the theory was true or not mattered less than its utility.

The theory's usefulness was more important than its truth.

Contrasting truth vs. utility.

7

The cultural heritage of the region mattered for the conservation efforts.

History was vital for protecting the area.

Societal/environmental context.

8

It mattered to the integrity of the study that all variables were controlled.

Controlling variables was vital for the study's honesty.

Scientific rigor.

1

The ontological status of the object mattered for the metaphysical argument.

The nature of the object's existence was vital for the philosophy.

Highly specialized academic language.

2

It mattered that the historical narrative was reclaimed by the indigenous people.

Reclaiming their history was a significant act of justice.

Social justice and historiography.

3

The minute variations in the data mattered for the quantum calculation.

Tiny data changes were crucial for the physics.

Extreme precision in science.

4

It mattered little to the universe whether humanity survived or perished.

Humanity's fate was insignificant on a cosmic scale.

Existential/cosmic perspective.

5

The semiotic significance of the gesture mattered in the cross-cultural exchange.

The meaning of the sign was vital for the communication.

Linguistic/anthropological context.

6

It mattered that the aesthetic of the film was consistent with the era.

The film's look had to match the time period.

Artistic/technical critique.

7

The geopolitical ramifications of the treaty mattered for global stability.

The treaty's global effects were very important.

International relations context.

8

What mattered was the synthesis of these disparate ideas into a coherent whole.

Combining different ideas was the most important task.

Complex cognitive process.

常见搭配

mattered immensely
mattered greatly
mattered little
mattered most
hardly mattered
mattered to me
really mattered
mattered for
never mattered
mattered that

常用短语

It didn't matter.

— Used to say that something was not important.

We missed the bus, but it didn't matter because we walked.

Nothing else mattered.

— Used to show that only one thing was important.

When he saw his daughter, nothing else mattered.

It mattered to her.

— Used to show someone's personal value.

The old house mattered to her because she grew up there.

What mattered was...

— Used to introduce the most important point.

What mattered was that they tried their best.

It mattered that...

— Used to emphasize a specific fact.

It mattered that the doctor arrived quickly.

As if it mattered.

— A sarcastic way to say something is unimportant.

He apologized, as if it mattered now.

It mattered more than...

— Used for comparison.

The truth mattered more than his reputation.

If it mattered...

— Used in conditional statements.

If it mattered, I would have told you sooner.

How much it mattered.

— Used to discuss the degree of importance.

She didn't realize how much it mattered to him.

Everything that mattered.

— Referring to all important things.

He lost everything that mattered in the fire.

容易混淆的词

mattered vs materialized

Materialized means to appear physically; mattered means to be important.

mattered vs mothered

Mothered means to care for someone like a mother; mattered is about importance.

mattered vs mattered (as a noun)

Matter can be a noun (substance), but 'mattered' is only the verb form.

习语与表达

"mattered a hill of beans"

— Usually used in the negative ('didn't matter a hill of beans') to mean something was worthless.

His excuses didn't matter a hill of beans to the judge.

informal
"mattered for the world"

— To be extremely important to someone.

That opportunity mattered for the world to her.

informal
"mattered in the long run"

— To be important when considering the future.

The small mistakes didn't really matter in the long run.

neutral
"mattered life or death"

— To be of critical, extreme importance.

Getting the medicine on time mattered life or death.

emphatic
"mattered more than words can say"

— To be more important than can be described.

Your help mattered more than words can say.

emotional
"mattered to the core"

— To be important at a very deep, fundamental level.

The injustice mattered to him to the core.

literary
"mattered one way or another"

— To be important regardless of the specific outcome.

It mattered one way or another that we finished the work.

neutral
"mattered not a whit"

— To not matter at all.

His complaints mattered not a whit to the manager.

formal/archaic
"mattered to the nth degree"

— To matter to the highest possible level.

Accuracy mattered to the nth degree in the lab.

technical/informal
"mattered since day one"

— To have been important from the very beginning.

This project has mattered since day one.

neutral

容易混淆

mattered vs important

Both describe significance.

'Important' is an adjective (It was important); 'mattered' is a verb (It mattered).

The meeting was important. / The meeting mattered.

mattered vs meant

Both can describe value in relationships.

'Meant' often implies intention or symbolic value; 'mattered' implies weight or impact.

He meant well. / He mattered to the team.

mattered vs signified

Both relate to meaning.

'Signified' is about what something represents; 'mattered' is about how much it counts.

The flag signified freedom. / The flag mattered to the soldiers.

mattered vs counted

Both mean to be significant.

'Counted' is often used for inclusion in a total; 'mattered' is more general and emotional.

Every vote counted. / Her opinion mattered.

mattered vs weighed

Both relate to 'weight.'

'Weighed' is the physical act or a metaphor for influence; 'mattered' is the state of being important.

He weighed the options. / The options mattered.

句型

A1

Subject + mattered.

The dog mattered.

A2

Subject + mattered + to + person.

The book mattered to me.

B1

It + mattered + that + clause.

It mattered that he stayed.

B1

Subject + mattered + adverb.

The news mattered greatly.

B2

What + mattered + was + noun.

What mattered was the truth.

B2

Subject + mattered + more than + noun.

The family mattered more than work.

C1

Whether... or... mattered...

Whether it rained or not mattered little.

C2

It + mattered + not + that + clause.

It mattered not that he failed.

词族

名词

matter

动词

matter
mattered
mattering

形容词

mattering (rare)

相关

material
immaterial
materialize
materialism
substance

如何使用

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

常见错误
  • It was mattered to me. It mattered to me.

    'Mattered' is a verb, not an adjective. You don't need 'was' before it.

  • The money mattered me. The money mattered to me.

    You need the preposition 'to' when indicating the person affected.

  • It not mattered. It didn't matter. / It mattered not.

    Use 'didn't' for the standard negative past tense.

  • Mattered that he was there. It mattered that he was there.

    You need the dummy subject 'it' to complete the sentence.

  • The decision was mattered by the boss. The decision mattered to the boss.

    'Mattered' cannot be used in the passive voice.

小贴士

Avoid the Passive

Never say 'The choice was mattered.' 'Mattered' is intransitive and cannot be used in the passive voice.

Use Adverbs

Enhance 'mattered' with adverbs like 'greatly,' 'immensely,' or 'hardly' to show the level of importance.

Emotional Weight

Use 'mattered' when you want to emphasize the emotional impact of something on a person.

The 'It' Structure

Remember the 'It mattered that...' pattern for introducing important facts or events.

Flap T

In American English, the 'tt' in 'mattered' is often pronounced like a soft 'd.'

Narrative Use

In stories, use 'mattered' to reveal what your characters value most.

Listen for 'To'

The word 'to' after 'mattered' usually points to the person who cares about the subject.

Cause and Effect

Use 'mattered' to explain why a certain result happened (e.g., 'The timing mattered').

Sincerity

Saying 'It mattered' is a great way to show you are being serious and sincere.

Think of 'Material'

Connect 'mattered' to 'material evidence' to remember it means something that is significant.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'Matter' as 'Material.' If something is 'Material' to a case, it is important. 'Mattered' is just the past version of that importance.

视觉联想

Imagine a heavy gold coin on a scale. The coin 'mattered' because it had weight and value.

Word Web

importance significance value weight relevance consequence impact meaning

挑战

Try to write three sentences about your childhood using 'mattered.' One about a toy, one about a person, and one about a specific day.

词源

Derived from the Middle English word 'materen,' which comes from the noun 'matere' (matter). This originates from the Old French 'matiere' and the Latin 'materia,' meaning 'wood, substance, or subject of discourse.'

原始含义: Originally referred to the physical substance of which things are made.

Indo-European (Latinate via French).

文化背景

Be careful when saying 'It didn't matter' in response to someone's feelings, as it can sound dismissive or rude.

The phrase 'Black Lives Matter' is a major modern cultural touchstone that uses the present tense, but the historical discussion often uses 'mattered' to address past injustices.

'Nothing Else Matters' by Metallica (Song) 'The Heart of the Matter' by Graham Greene (Novel) 'What Mattered Most' by Ty Herndon (Song)

在生活中练习

真实语境

Sports

  • The final score mattered.
  • Every point mattered.
  • The injury mattered for the season.

Relationships

  • You always mattered to me.
  • Our anniversary mattered.
  • His opinion mattered.

Legal

  • The evidence mattered.
  • The witness's testimony mattered.
  • The date of the crime mattered.

Business

  • The budget mattered.
  • The deadline mattered.
  • Customer feedback mattered.

History

  • The invention mattered.
  • The war mattered for borders.
  • The speech mattered.

对话开场白

"What is something that mattered to you a lot when you were a child?"

"Do you think the results of the last election mattered for your daily life?"

"Tell me about a teacher who really mattered to you."

"Was there a time when you realized a small detail mattered more than you thought?"

"If you could change one thing that mattered in the past, what would it be?"

日记主题

Write about a decision you made that really mattered for your career.

Describe an object you lost that mattered to you. Why was it important?

Reflect on a conversation that mattered. What was said?

Think about a historical event. Why do you think it mattered to the world?

Does it matter what people think of you? Why or why not?

常见问题

10 个问题

'Mattered' is the past tense of the verb 'matter.' It is not an adjective. You should say 'It mattered,' not 'It was mattered.'

No, you must use the preposition 'to.' The correct form is 'It mattered to me.'

They mean the same thing, but 'mattered' is a verb and 'was important' uses an adjective. 'Mattered' often feels slightly more personal or dramatic.

Use 'did' for the past tense: 'Did it matter to you?'

No, 'mattered' is past tense. For the future, use 'will matter.'

It is neutral. It can be used in both formal writing and casual conversation.

This is a formal or old-fashioned way of saying 'it didn't matter.'

Yes, usually when referring to a purpose or a result, like 'It mattered for the final score.'

Yes, it is very common in all forms of English.

The most common opposite is 'didn't matter' or 'was insignificant.'

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Write a sentence about a childhood toy that mattered to you.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'mattered immensely' in a sentence about a job interview.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using the pattern 'It mattered that...'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Describe a historical event and explain why it mattered.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'mattered' in a negative sentence to dismiss a past worry.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence comparing two things using 'mattered more than'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'mattered' in a formal academic context.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about a person who mattered to you.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'hardly mattered' in a sentence about the weather.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'What mattered most was...'.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Explain why a specific law mattered in a legal case.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'mattered to the core' in a sentence.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about a sports game using 'mattered'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'mattered not' in a formal sentence.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about a small detail that mattered.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'mattered since day one' in a sentence about a project.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about a memory that mattered.

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writing

Use 'mattered for the sake of' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about a scientific variable that mattered.

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writing

Use 'mattered' to describe the impact of a speech.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Talk about a time when a small mistake mattered more than you expected.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain why your education mattered to your parents.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a person who mattered to you in your childhood.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss whether the result of a sports game mattered to you recently.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain why the truth mattered in a specific situation you experienced.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Talk about an object that mattered to you but was lost.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss why the environment mattered to people in the past.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell a story where 'nothing else mattered' but one specific thing.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain why a specific decision mattered for your future.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Talk about a movie or book where the ending really mattered to you.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss whether fame mattered to you when you were younger.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain why a certain tradition mattered to your family.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Talk about a time when someone's opinion mattered too much to you.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a project where every detail mattered.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain why a specific historical figure mattered to their country.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss whether the weather mattered for an event you planned.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Talk about a time when you realized your work really mattered to someone.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain why the timing of an event mattered.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Discuss the phrase 'Nothing Else Matters' and what it means to you.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Talk about a law or rule that mattered in your school.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'It mattered that he arrived on time.' What was important?

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'The cost mattered little to them.' Did they care about the price?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'What mattered most was the safety of the children.' What was the priority?

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listening

Listen: 'It didn't matter what they said.' Were their words important?

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listening

Listen: 'The evidence mattered for the verdict.' What was the result of the evidence?

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listening

Listen: 'It mattered immensely to the community.' How much did it matter?

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listening

Listen: 'The nuances mattered in the negotiation.' What was important in the talk?

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Nothing else mattered but the truth.' What was the only important thing?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
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listening

Listen: 'It mattered that the research was peer-reviewed.' What happened to the research?

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'The silence mattered more than the speech.' Which was more significant?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
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listening

Listen: 'It hardly mattered that it was raining.' Was the rain a problem?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
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listening

Listen: 'Every second mattered.' What does this suggest?

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listening

Listen: 'It mattered to her integrity.' What was at stake?

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listening

Listen: 'The price mattered more than the quality.' What was more important?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'It mattered that she spoke up.' What action was significant?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
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/ 200 correct

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