matter, subject, issue

[jctgf]

hi,

please, I would like to know how to use these words properly.

can I say "to talk about a matter"? what about "to talk about a subject"?

can I say a "pending matter"?

"subject" can be a reference to a person, right? can I say "the subject who stole the shop", for example?

is "issue" necessarily a "problem" or a "matter that need a solution"? when I hear "issue" on BBC/CNN, that's what it sounds to me.

thanks.

[David L.]

'issue' : an important topic for debate
- when used to describe a person, it refers to personal problems or difficulties that can cause friction in his relationships

'subject' : a person or thing which is being discussed. "The scandal was the subject of conversation around the dinner table of everyone in the town."
- • a person who is the focus of scientific or medical attention or experiment.
- a branch of knowledge studied or taught in a school, college, or university.
- a citizen or member of a country other than its supreme ruler (In the UK, we are subjects of the Queen)

topic : the focus of a conversation; the matter under discussion. (the topic of conversation round a meal table can change as people change the subject of conversation, and they talk about something else.)

matter : a situation or issue under consideration, usual of a serious and important nature eg matters of government, financial matters

[susiedqq]

To talk about a matter is to be very specific.
I want to talk to you about the matter of your overdue rent.

To talk about a subject is to talk in very broad terms.
Let's talk about the subject of good colleges.

Yes, a "pending matter" is an issue that is "on hold", delayed, or waiting to be resolved.

Yes, "subject" can also be a noun.

One definition of "issue" is a "disputable point of view."
Lets talk about the issue of eradicting malaria by using DDT.