about this something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about this something" is not standard or commonly used in written English.
It may be used in informal contexts where the speaker is referring to a specific topic or issue but lacks clarity or specificity. Example: "I have some thoughts about this something that we discussed last week."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

To my surprise, Shylene knew all about this something.

The New Yorker

There was something shockingly wrong about this, something that violated the basic laws of drama.

The Guardian - Film

"But I feel, in some ways, there is not actually a mainstream conversation about this – something the frightbats brou-ha-ha illustrated.

The Guardian

If there is any broader point to be made about this – something about the state of politics in 2014 – I'm not sure what it is.

The Guardian

That led to a response from the world of cycling that said: 'We've got to do something about this, something big.' Peter Keen came in and was an important stepping stone towards the success of those athletes.

The Guardian - Sport

Emma Taylor notes that the judges had to follow their "gut instincts" when selecting images, due to limited time to assess each entry, though she feels that "there's something rather liberating about this, something pure".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Although intentional phenomena are about something, this "something" need not be real.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is something categorically different about this hug; something that will stay with me for ever.

BBC

Prosecuting barrister Peter Shaw said: "You are telling her there is something about this relationship - something about her - that brings the demon out in you".

BBC

Is this worry about something about something really bad, or not?

WikiHow

If there was something honorable about this, there was also something cold.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, replace "something" with a specific noun that describes the topic or issue you're addressing. For example, instead of "about this something", try "regarding this matter" or "concerning this issue".

Common error

Avoid using "something" in formal or professional contexts. This term can make your writing seem unclear and less credible. Instead, use a precise term that accurately reflects what you are discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about this something" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying an implied or stated verb. While grammatically structured, it lacks specificity. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is acceptable but not preferred due to its vagueness. It serves to introduce a topic but without clearly defining it.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about this something" is a grammatically acceptable but uncommon phrase best suited for informal contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase lacks precision and is generally not preferred in formal writing. When clarity is important, replace "something" with a more specific noun. Alternative phrases include "regarding this matter", "concerning this issue", and "pertaining to this subject". Although examples exist from news and media outlets, aim for more precise and descriptive language in professional or academic work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding this matter

Replaces "something" with a more formal and specific term.

concerning this issue

Substitutes "something" with a clearer reference to a specific problem or topic.

pertaining to this subject

Offers a more formal alternative, replacing "something" with "subject".

in relation to this topic

Provides a clearer and more common way to refer to a particular topic.

with respect to this aspect

Replaces "something" with "aspect", offering a more precise reference.

concerning this situation

Specifies "something" as a "situation", making the reference more concrete.

regarding this point

Replaces "something" with a more focused "point".

in connection with this event

Specifies "something" as an "event", providing a more specific context.

in regards to this item

Alternative expression that replaces "something" with "item", but might be too specific in some contexts.

as regards this detail

Replaces "something" with "detail" making the reference more concrete.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "about this something"?

You can use alternatives like "regarding this matter", "concerning this issue", or "pertaining to this subject" to be more specific and clear.

Is "about this something" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "about this something" is uncommon and can sound vague. Using a more specific term improves clarity. Ludwig AI identifies it as acceptable, though advises using alternatives for improved precision.

When is it appropriate to use "about this something"?

This phrase is best suited for informal conversation. In formal writing, it's better to use a more precise term to avoid ambiguity. For example, use "regarding this matter".

How can I make my writing more precise instead of using "about this something"?

Replace "something" with a noun that clearly identifies the topic. Instead of saying "about this something", consider using "concerning this issue", "pertaining to this subject", or "in relation to this topic".