about the things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about the things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing various topics or subjects in a general sense. Example: "We had a long conversation about the things that matter most to us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Hip about the things that I want".

The New York Times

"We rap about the things we like".

The New York Times

It's about the things millennials care about.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dogs joke about the things they like to sniff.

The New York Times

Only worry about the things you can control".

The New Yorker

She thinks about the things she has given up.

The New Yorker

Are you passionate about the things you are good at?

The New York Times

Learn about the things that interest your kids.

The Guardian - Opinion

She thought about the things her son left behind.

The New York Times

"I write about the things that caused the war".

The New York Times

My dad told him about the things I played.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about the things" when referring to a range of subjects or items in a general, non-specific way. It's suitable for informal and neutral contexts, as confirmed by its frequency in news and media, and wiki sources.

Common error

Avoid using "about the things" in formal or academic writing where more precise language is expected. Replace it with specific nouns or phrases to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about the things" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adjunct in a sentence. Ludwig shows examples where it modifies verbs (e.g., "talk about the things") or nouns, adding information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about the things" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase suitable for various communicative purposes, primarily introducing general topics for discussion or consideration. Ludwig showcases its prevalence across news, media, and wiki sources, affirming its neutral register. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to gauge the formality of the context and opt for more specific alternatives in formal or academic settings. The phrase's widespread use underscores its convenience, yet linguistic precision can often be achieved through alternatives like "regarding the subjects" or "concerning the matters".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the subjects

Replaces "about" with "regarding" and "things" with "subjects", offering a more formal tone.

regarding the issues

Similar to "regarding the subjects" but focuses on problematic or debated points.

concerning the matters

Substitutes "about" with "concerning" and "things" with "matters", resulting in a more formal alternative.

relative to the factors

Emphasizes the relationship or connection of specific contributing aspects.

in relation to the topics

Uses "in relation to" instead of "about" and "topics" instead of "things", creating a more descriptive and academic tone.

with regard to the circumstances

More formal and specific, referring to conditions or situations.

with respect to the items

Replaces "about" with "with respect to" and "things" with "items", providing a more precise and formal tone.

concerning the elements

Substitutes "things" with "elements", which can be useful in more technical or analytical contexts.

in connection with the objects

A more formal and somewhat indirect way of saying "about the things".

pertaining to the affairs

Uses "pertaining to" to replace "about" and "affairs" instead of "things", suggesting involvement or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "about the things" in a sentence?

You can use "about the things" to refer generally to multiple subjects or items. For example, "We need to talk "about the things" that are important to us."

What are some alternatives to "about the things"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "regarding the subjects", "concerning the matters", or "in relation to the topics".

Is "about the things" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "about the things" can be considered vague for formal writing. More specific and precise language is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "about the things" and "regarding the things"?

"Regarding the things" is a more formal alternative to "about the things". Both phrases generally refer to discussing or considering multiple subjects, but "regarding" carries a slightly more professional tone.