about that

USAGE SUMMARY

"about that" is a valid phrase that is used in written English.
For example, "I've been meaning to talk to you about that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing changed about that.

The New York Times

Think about that.

The New York Times

About that.

WikiHow

First read about that.

WikiHow

I'm sure about that.

Independent

But forget about that.

The New Yorker

"How about that?" "O.K".

The New Yorker

It's not about that.

The New York Times

We're sensitive about that.

The New Yorker

Nothing foreign about that.

The New York Times

He's all about that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about that" to smoothly transition back to a topic previously introduced or to express a gentle correction or change of subject. It works well in both informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "about that" in strictly formal documents where more precise language might be preferred. Alternatives like "regarding this" or "concerning this matter" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about that" functions as a prepositional phrase, often serving as an introductory element to direct attention back to a previously mentioned topic. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically correct phrase commonly used to facilitate transitions in conversation or writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about that" is a versatile prepositional phrase primarily used to refer back to a prior topic or introduce a related point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral to informal, it's essential to consider the formality of the setting and choose more precise language for strictly formal documents. Mastering the art of using "about that" involves understanding its communicative purpose, which is to smoothly transition conversations and provide gentle redirections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding that

Uses a more formal preposition to indicate the topic being addressed.

concerning that

A more formal alternative to introduce a related subject or issue.

on that subject

Specifically directs attention to the previously mentioned topic.

with respect to that

Offers a formal way to specify the aspect being considered.

in that regard

Highlights a particular aspect or point related to the previous statement.

in connection with that

Links the current discussion to a prior event or topic.

pertaining to that

Formally indicates relevance to the matter at hand.

on that note

Transitions the conversation while acknowledging the previous topic.

as to that

Presents a more concise way to shift the focus back to something already stated.

in relation to that

Highlights a relationship or comparison with something previously mentioned.

FAQs

How can I use "about that" in a sentence?

"About that" can be used to smoothly transition back to a topic previously mentioned, introduce a related point, or gently change the subject. For example, "About that proposal, I have some feedback" or "I was going to do the dishes, but "about that", I need to leave now".

What are some alternatives to "about that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "regarding that", "concerning that", or "on that subject". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to start a sentence with "about that"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "about that" is perfectly acceptable and a common way to refer back to a previous topic or statement. However, consider the flow of your writing and whether a more explicit connection might be clearer in formal contexts.

What does it mean when someone says "about that"?

When someone says "about that", they're usually signaling they want to revisit or comment on something previously mentioned. It can also introduce a gentle correction, express a change of subject, or prepare you for additional information related to the prior discussion.