about on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about on something" is not correct and does not make sense in written English.
It seems to be a mix of two different phrases, and it is unclear what context you intend to use it in. Example: "I was thinking about something important."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To avoid funny looks from the village librarian, I got on a bus to find a copy of Edmund White's A Boy's Own Story, which I'd heard about on something I shouldn't have been watching on BBC2 late one night.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I think this is about her interested in taking on something she believes in.

The New York Times

An ad in Birmingham, Ala., says, "Think about... insisting on something no one else owns — more than 100 designers are exclusive to Saks in the Birmingham area".

The New York Times

"You don't have to worry about walking in on something".

The New York Times

Whatever I was rambling on about, something about Willie.

Huffington Post

We've talked about collaborating on something for ages now.

Independent

And you shouldn't have to worry, she said, "about sitting on something in your wet bathing suit".

The New York Times

I still seem to be happiest when I'm thinking about working on something for the theater.

The New York Times

"I feel a little bit better about working on something a little bit more noble," he said.

The New Yorker

"The talent which used to complain about being on something like AMC now want to be where good stories are being told," said Rich Greenfield, an analyst at BTIG Research.

The New York Times

"We're talking about working on something," Nelson says.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "about on something" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "regarding something" or "concerning something".

Common error

Ensure you're using the correct preposition. The combination of "about" and "on" is often redundant; using "about" alone is typically sufficient and grammatically sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about on something" attempts to modify a noun or pronoun, specifying the subject of consideration or discussion. However, due to its grammatical incorrectness, its functionality is impaired. Ludwig AI indicates it's a mix of different phrases.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Academia

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about on something" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in both formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI identifies it as a flawed construction. While some examples exist, they do not validate its correctness. It's better to use alternatives like "about something", "regarding something", or "concerning something". These alternatives provide clarity and grammatical accuracy. Always prioritize correct grammar and precise language to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about something

Removes the unnecessary "on", resulting in a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

relating to something

Offers a simple and direct alternative, maintaining a close semantic connection.

regarding something

Replaces "about on" with "regarding", providing a grammatically correct and more formal alternative.

concerning something

Substitutes "about on" with "concerning", offering a similar meaning with improved grammatical correctness.

in relation to something

Provides a more formal and precise way to express the connection between two things.

based on something

Emphasizes the foundation or reason behind something, changing the focus slightly.

with respect to something

Offers a formal alternative, often used in academic or professional contexts.

dependent on something

Highlights the reliance or conditionality on something, shifting the meaning towards dependence.

in connection with something

Suggests a link or association, altering the original phrase's directness.

pertaining to something

Replaces the original with a more formal and precise term.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "about on something"?

The phrase "about on something" is generally incorrect. Use "about something", "regarding something", or "concerning something" instead.

What's wrong with saying "about on something"?

The combination of prepositions "about on" is usually redundant and doesn't follow standard English grammar rules. It's better to use only "about" or choose another preposition like "regarding".

Is there any context where "about on something" is correct?

In almost all contexts, "about on something" is grammatically incorrect. It's highly advisable to avoid this phrasing in both formal and informal writing.

What are some formal alternatives to "about on something"?

Formal alternatives include phrases like "with regard to something", "in relation to something", or "concerning something". These options offer greater clarity and grammatical accuracy.