are about that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are about that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a topic or subject matter related to something previously mentioned. Example: "The discussions we had last week are about that new project proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But novels are never about what they are about; that is, there is always deeper, or more general, significance.

The New York Times - Arts

For punk historian Jon Savage, the misogyny was the point: "Those scenes are about that kind of cruelty which was so evident at the time.

The Guardian - Music

Buck spent five years in Iraq as an emergency medical technician, and most of his songs are about that, with titles like "Stand Up for Freedom," "Made in Iraq," and the intriguing "I Need Too Go to Rehab [sic]". .

Vice

A lot of my photographs are about that exuberance and pride, to be able to show it to people and say, "We are not the guys with the bandanas around our head and the jackknife in our back pocket the bullshit stereotypes you use to sell your fucking movies.

Vice

I am as confounded as you are about that.

The Guardian - Sport

Wood: Many of them are about that.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

And that was about that.

The New Yorker

That was about that.

The New Yorker

"To me it's about that.

Los Angeles Times

"It shouldn't be about that.

The New York Times - Sports

It's about that inclination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are about that" to clearly link a topic or statement to a previously mentioned subject, ensuring a smooth flow in your writing and avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "are about that" excessively in long, convoluted sentences. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less clear. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are about that" functions as a predicate adjective, indicating the subject matter or focus of something in relation to a previously mentioned topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in linking subjects to prior context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are about that" serves as a linking device to connect a subject with a previously mentioned topic. Ludwig AI analysis affirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, primarily news and media. While it is a common phrase, it's advisable to avoid overuse in complex sentences. Alternatives such as "relate to that" or "concern that" can provide variety. Using it effectively ensures clarity in your writing, as it succinctly points back to a subject already introduced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relate to that

Indicates a connection or association with a previously mentioned subject, emphasizing the link.

pertain to that

Highlights the relevance or applicability to a particular subject, suggesting a more formal tone.

connected to that

Highlights the connection or link to a certain topic, emphasizing the association.

concern that

Focuses on the aspect of worry or relevance regarding a specific matter, changing the tone.

associated with that

Indicates that something is linked or related to a specific subject, stressing the relationship.

revolve around that

Implies that something is centered on or primarily focused on a certain topic, changing the emphasis.

center on that

Implies that something is primarily focused on a certain subject, highlighting importance.

deal with that

Indicates that a specific problem or matter is being managed, providing a general approach.

address that issue

Specifies that a particular problem or matter is being dealt with, making it more direct.

tackle that matter

Suggests dealing with a subject in a determined or forceful way, altering the manner.

FAQs

How can I use "are about that" in a sentence?

The phrase "are about that" is used to connect a subject to something previously mentioned. For example: "The first three chapters are about the history of the city. The rest "are about that" recent urban renewal project".

What can I say instead of "are about that"?

You can use alternatives like "relate to that", "pertain to that", or "concern that" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "are about that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Are about that" is a common construction used to refer back to a previously discussed topic or subject.

What's the difference between "are about that" and "are regarding that"?

"Are about that" is more conversational and commonly used, while "are regarding that" sounds more formal and is often used in professional or business contexts.