about this guy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about this guy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific person in a conversation or text, often to introduce a topic related to that individual. Example: "I have some interesting information about this guy who just moved into the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We could write a live text just about this guy.

BBC

How about this guy?

The New Yorker

What about this guy?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What is it about this guy?

The New York Times

There must be something about this guy.

The New York Times - Sports

I love everything about this guy.

Princeton University

"I once told you about this guy.

The New Yorker

"There's something about this guy," she said.

The New York Times

'I'm crazy about this guy,' she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I can't say enough about this guy".

The New York Times - Sports

"How about this guy?" she says.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about this guy", ensure the context makes it clear who you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing a name or description beforehand.

Common error

Avoid using "about this guy" in professional emails or formal documents. Opt for more professional alternatives like "regarding this individual" or "concerning this person" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about this guy" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It introduces a topic or provides additional information related to a specific, usually male, individual. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about this guy" is a common and grammatically sound phrase primarily used in informal contexts to refer to a specific male individual. According to Ludwig, it serves to introduce a topic, share information, or express opinions. While frequently found in News & Media and Academia, it's best to avoid it in formal settings, opting for more professional alternatives like "regarding this person". The numerous examples available through Ludwig AI underscore its prevalence in everyday language, highlighting the importance of choosing the right register for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what about him

Shorter and more direct, implies a question.

regarding this man

Formal substitute focusing on a male individual.

concerning this person

More formal and neutral, suitable for professional contexts.

in reference to this fellow

Slightly archaic and more polite.

talking about him

Focuses on the act of discussing the person.

in relation to this man

Highlights connection or relationship with the person.

pertaining to this individual

Highly formal and impersonal.

regarding this gentleman

Extremely formal and respectful.

concerning this chap

Informal British English.

as for this character

Suggests a focus on personality or role.

FAQs

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

You can use "about this guy" to introduce a topic related to a specific person, as in "I heard an interesting story "about this guy" at the bar last night".

What are some alternatives to "about this guy"?

Alternatives include more formal phrases like "regarding this person", "concerning this individual", or more informal options depending on the context, such as "what about him" or "as for him".

Is "about this guy" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "about this guy" is generally considered too informal for formal writing. It's best to use more professional language in those situations, such as "regarding this person" or "concerning this individual".

When is it okay to use "about this guy"?

It's okay to use "about this guy" in casual conversations, informal emails to friends, or in creative writing where an informal tone is desired.