about which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has previously been mentioned. For example, "She had a difficult experience, about which she rarely spoke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One is productivity, about which more below.

The Economist

I agonized about which names to submit.

The New Yorker

About which, more soon.

The New Yorker

Angle about which to rotate image.

Harvard University

About which I'm more optimistic than many.

Yale University

Unsure about which policy covers you?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Molly: Sometimes it's about which partner.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I'm thinking about which one to get.

The New York Times

What's the thinking about which ones do?

The New York Times

and about which they are consulted.

The Guardian

About which very little is known.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about which" to smoothly connect a clause or phrase to a preceding noun or idea, ensuring clarity and conciseness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid separating "about which" too far from the noun it modifies. Keep it close to ensure readers can easily understand the connection and prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about which" functions as a relative pronoun introducing a relative clause that modifies a preceding noun phrase. As noted by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and serves to provide additional information or context about the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

31%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for introducing relative clauses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to add clarifying details to previously mentioned subjects. Predominantly found in news, academic and scientific texts, it maintains a formal tone. When using "about which", ensure it remains close to the noun it modifies to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "regarding which" or "concerning which" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding which

Emphasizes a specific aspect or subject being addressed, similar to "about which" but with a slightly more formal tone.

concerning which

Highlights the topic or issue under consideration, providing a focused connection to the preceding information.

in relation to which

Indicates a direct relationship or connection between the current information and what was previously mentioned.

with respect to which

Offers a measured and specific perspective on the connection, often used in formal or technical contexts.

on the subject of which

Clearly introduces the topic being discussed, providing a straightforward connection to prior information.

pertaining to which

Formally denotes relevance or connection, suitable for legal or official documentation.

in connection with which

Highlights the associative link between the current and previous statements, adding a sense of context.

as regards which

Provides a transition to a specific matter, often used to introduce a new but related point.

relative to which

Implies a comparison or contrast with the previously mentioned topic, adding depth to the discussion.

whereupon

Indicates an immediate consequence or result of the preceding event, providing a sequential link.

FAQs

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

Use "about which" to introduce a relative clause that provides more information about something previously mentioned. For example, "She shared a story, "about which" few details were known".

What are some alternatives to using "about which"?

You can use alternatives like "regarding which", "concerning which", or rephrase the sentence for better flow. The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more formal to use "about which" compared to other similar phrases?

Yes, "about which" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "that" or simpler constructions. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between these options.

What's the difference between "about which" and "of which"?

"About which" refers to the subject matter, while "of which" indicates possession or belonging. For example, "the topic "about which" we spoke" versus "the book, the cover "of which" was torn".