apropos of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apropos of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a topic or to indicate that something is relevant to what has just been said. Example: "Apropos of our earlier discussion, I wanted to share some additional insights on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Apropos of.

The Guardian - Sport

Apropos of nothing dept.

The Guardian - Sport

Completely apropos of nothing.

The Guardian

— Richard Jones, from "Apropos of Nothing" (2006).

The New York Times

"Apropos of the season," De Patria agreed.

The New Yorker

Apropos of the series, neither team could get much separation.

The New York Times - Sports

"Possibilities," one student called out suddenly, apropos of nothing.

The New Yorker

"Apropos of nothing, Jojo brought out the cheese," Burson recalled.

The New Yorker

"My brother died," he says, apropos of nothing.

The New Yorker

Apropos of nothing: "Here, it's the opposite of Italy.

The New York Times - Food

Apropos of almost nothing, he recalls Ernest Hemingway.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apropos of nothing", make sure it serves a purpose, such as introducing a surprising or humorous element, rather than simply being irrelevant.

Common error

Avoid using "apropos of" to introduce completely unrelated information that disrupts the flow of your writing. Ensure there's a logical, even if subtle, connection to the preceding context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apropos of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that connects a new topic or idea to the previous one. It indicates relevance or connection, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples. It can also introduce seemingly unrelated topics, often for emphasis or humor, when used as "apropos of nothing".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apropos of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to connect ideas, signal relevance, or introduce unexpected elements. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It appears frequently in news and media, with a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "regarding" and "concerning", offering alternative ways to express the same connection. When using "apropos of", ensure it serves a clear purpose and maintains relevance to the overall context. Used effectively, "apropos of" can enhance the flow and sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding

Indicates a direct connection to the topic at hand.

concerning

Emphasizes a focus on a particular subject matter.

with regard to

A more formal alternative for introducing a related topic.

in relation to

Highlights the connection or link between two subjects.

pertaining to

Suggests a relevance or connection to a specific subject.

relevant to

Directly indicates that something is connected and important to the topic.

in connection with

Highlights a specific association or relationship.

on the subject of

Focuses on a particular theme or matter.

with reference to

A formal way to indicate that something is being considered in relation to something else.

as regards

A somewhat old-fashioned way of saying "regarding" or "concerning".

FAQs

How can I use "apropos of" in a sentence?

You can use "apropos of" to introduce a topic related to the previous discussion. For example, "Apropos of your trip, have you booked your hotel yet?"

What does "apropos of nothing" mean?

"Apropos of nothing" means introducing something that seems unrelated to the current topic. It's often used for humorous or surprising effect, like "Apropos of nothing, I saw a cat wearing a hat today."

What are some alternatives to "apropos of"?

Alternatives to "apropos of" include "regarding", "concerning", or ""with regard to"", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "apropos of nothing"?

Use "apropos of nothing" when introducing a statement that might seem out of context but serves a specific purpose, such as adding humor or changing the subject. Just ensure it doesn't completely derail the conversation or writing.