about this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a topic in a sentence. For example: "We have to make a decision about this, so let's discuss our options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or how about this?

The New Yorker

O.K., how about this?

The New Yorker

"About this".

The New Yorker

What's difficult about this?

The New York Times

We're talking about this".

The New York Times - Arts

What's free about this?

The New York Times

He's right about this.

The New Yorker

Now think about this.

The New York Times

I wrote about this.

Independent

Talk about this.

The New York Times

Any thoughts about this?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about this" to clearly introduce or refer back to a specific topic in your writing to maintain focus and coherence.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "about this" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives such as "regarding this" or "concerning this" to enhance the tone and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about this" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or noun, introducing a topic or specifying a subject of discussion or thought. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in various contexts to direct attention to a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about this" is a very common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to direct attention to a specific topic or issue. While generally neutral in tone, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability. When aiming for more formal or academic writing, consider alternatives such as "regarding this" or "concerning this". The frequency of its appearance in varied sources underscores its general acceptability and broad application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding this

Replaces "about" with a more formal synonym "regarding".

concerning this

Uses "concerning" as a substitute for "about", slightly more formal.

on this matter

Replaces "about this" with a more elaborate and formal phrase.

in reference to this

A more detailed and formal way of saying "about this".

with respect to this

Introduces a formal tone by using "with respect to" instead of "about".

pertaining to this

A formal and less common synonym for "about this".

in relation to this

Suggests a connection or comparison to the topic at hand.

as regards this

An older, slightly archaic substitute for "about this".

in connection with this

Emphasizes a link or association with the subject.

touching on this

Suggests briefly mentioning or addressing the topic.

FAQs

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

Use "about this" to introduce a topic or refer to something previously mentioned. For example, "Let's talk "about this" issue."

What are some alternatives to "about this"?

Alternatives include "regarding this", "concerning this", or "on this matter" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "about this" formal or informal?

"About this" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. For more formal situations, consider using "regarding this" or "with respect to this".

When should I avoid using "about this"?

Avoid using "about this" when a more specific or precise term would improve clarity, or in very formal documents where more elevated language is preferred. In those cases phrases like "pertaining to this" could be a better fit.