The matter with

The expression ‘the matter’ or ‘the matter with’ can be used after words like something, anything, nothing and what. It means something like ‘wrong with’.

• Something is the matter with Maria. She doesn’t talk to anyone. (= Something is wrong with Maria.)
• Is anything the matter? (= Is anything wrong?)
• Something is the matter with my car. It doesn’t start.
• What’s the matter with you today? (= What is wrong with you today?)
• Nothing is the matter with your legs. You are just too lazy to go jogging.

We sometimes use ‘there’ as a preparatory subject for something, anything and nothing.

• There is something the matter with my car. (= There is something wrong with my car.)