about this material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about this material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific subject or content that is being discussed or analyzed. Example: "I have some questions about this material that we covered in class last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

To me that's what's so exciting about this material.

The New York Times - Arts

There was something marvelously frenetic about this material.

The New York Times

It will consist of essay questions about this material.

Yale University

(An earlier book by Haynes and Klehr is about this material).

The New Yorker

Yet very few new-music specialists talk or write about this material.

The Guardian - Music

Please send any comments about this material, including correction and omissions, to [email protected]

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"That the Pakistanis are very serious about securing this material, but also that someone in Pakistan is very intent on getting their hands on it".

The New York Times

You know, one of the things that also strikes me about reading this material during our current moment is just that we're very much still grappling with how to think about the Civil War in America.

Harvard Business Review

The process, and the logic, are evident in the answer that Bill Keller, executive editor of The Times, gave me when I asked whether he had misgivings about publishing this material.

The New York Times

There is already a look of antiquity about most of this material.

The New York Times - Arts

While current materials limit solar-thermal plants to turbines that are about 42percentt efficient, this material could be paired with steam turbines that are 48percentt efficient.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about this material", ensure the context clearly identifies what "this material" refers to. Ambiguity can be avoided by explicitly stating the subject beforehand.

Common error

While acceptable in most situations, avoid using "about this material" excessively in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "regarding this" or direct references can sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about this material" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It introduces the topic or subject matter under consideration, as supported by Ludwig's examples of its use in news, academic, and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about this material" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to introduce or refer to a specific subject or content. As Ludwig highlights, it is commonly used in academic, news, and scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, ensuring clarity in defining "this material" and avoiding overuse in informal contexts are key to effective communication. Alternatives like "regarding this content" or "concerning this subject" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. Overall, "about this material" is a reliable phrase for specifying the topic at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding this material

Replaces "about" with "regarding", maintaining the focus on the subject matter but with a slightly more formal tone.

concerning this material

Similar to "regarding", "concerning" offers a slightly more detached and formal alternative to "about".

pertaining to this material

"Pertaining to" is a more formal and precise substitute for "about", often used in legal or academic contexts.

in reference to this material

This phrase is more explicit and indicates a direct connection to the subject matter, suitable for formal communication.

related to this material

"Related to" is a straightforward and widely applicable alternative, indicating a connection or association.

on this material

A shorter, less formal alternative that can work in some contexts, though it might sound less polished.

regarding these contents

Changes "material" to "contents", shifting the focus slightly towards the specific items or subjects contained within the material.

concerning these details

Substitutes "material" with "details", useful when referring to specific pieces of information.

in connection with this material

This alternative emphasizes a link or association with the material, suggesting a broader context.

apropos of this material

"Apropos of" is a sophisticated, albeit less common, way to introduce a topic, indicating relevance or pertinence.

FAQs

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

You can use "about this material" to introduce a topic or refer to a specific subject. For example, "I have some concerns about this material" or "Let's discuss more about this material".

What are some alternatives to "about this material"?

Alternatives include "regarding this content", "concerning this subject", or "pertaining to this material". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "about this material" in formal writing?

Yes, "about this material" is appropriate in formal writing. More formal alternatives, such as "regarding this material" or "concerning this material", can also be used depending on the context.

What's the difference between "about this material" and "about these materials"?

"About this material" refers to a single, specific item or subject. "About these materials" refers to multiple items or subjects. Ensure you use the correct pluralization based on the context.