about this question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about this question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific question in a discussion or inquiry. Example: "I would like to clarify a few points about this question before we proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And what about this question of accountability?

The Guardian

Classical economics had little to say about this question.

The Economist

On Wednesday, I'll respond to readers' thoughts about this question.

The New York Times

About this question Brooks has essentially nothing to say.

The New York Times - Books

Because you are exactly thinking about this question.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But do we even experience any perplexity about this question?

The Guardian - Opinion

Or, rather, what is your opinion about this question?

The New York Times

He thinks about this question for a long time.

The Guardian

American officials, both political and military, have been coy about this question.

The Economist

Picasso: Challenging the Past tells us almost nothing about this question.

Independent

I'm going to have to think about this question at leisure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about this question" when you want to specifically address a query that has been previously mentioned or is the current focus of discussion. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessive use of "about this question" can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "regarding this question" or rephrase to improve flow, especially in formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about this question" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying the subject of consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

24%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about this question" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to direct attention to a specific inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is prevalent across various domains, especially in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While its usage is widespread, it is beneficial to consider alternatives like "regarding this question" or "concerning this question" to avoid repetitiveness, particularly in formal writing. Always ensure the context warrants the direct focus on a particular question to maintain clarity and precision in your communication. Its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist underscores its reliability and acceptability in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding this question

Replaces "about" with "regarding", maintaining a formal tone.

concerning this question

Uses "concerning" instead of "about", offering a slightly more formal alternative.

pertaining to this question

Employs "pertaining to" for a more formal and specific connection to the question.

in relation to this question

Highlights the connection or relationship to the question at hand.

with respect to this question

Adds a sense of consideration or regard for the question.

on the subject of this question

Shifts the focus to the topic or subject that the question addresses.

in connection with this question

Emphasizes the link or association with the question.

as regards this question

A slightly archaic but still valid way to say "regarding this question".

relative to this question

Indicates a comparison or relationship in proportion to the question.

considering this question

Focuses on the act of thinking about or taking the question into account.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "about this question" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "regarding this question", "concerning this question", or "pertaining to this question". These options offer a more professional and polished feel.

Is it correct to use "regarding this question" instead of "about this question"?

Yes, "regarding this question" is a grammatically correct and often preferred alternative, especially in formal writing. It conveys the same meaning with a slightly more refined tone.

What's the difference between "about this question" and "on this topic"?

"About this question" refers specifically to a query, while "on this topic" refers to a broader subject area. Use "about this question" when addressing a specific inquiry and "on this topic" when discussing a general subject. See also "on this subject".

How to use "about this question" in a sentence?

You can use "about this question" to introduce a discussion or clarification related to a specific query. For example, "I want to elaborate about this question before moving on" or "Let's consider the implications about this question further."