are about what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are about what" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in informal contexts where someone is trying to clarify the subject of a discussion or text, but it is generally better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "The questions in the survey are about what people think of the new policy."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Our songs are about what it means to be a Mexican immigrant in the United States.

The New York Times - Arts

"The recent songs are about what the individual wants, and how she or he has been disappointed or wronged".

The New York Times - Science

They've seen what Hartlepool are about, what they've got to offer, and now they go again.

BBC

But they are about what money likes.

The New Yorker

True stories are about what happened.

The Guardian - Books

That's no coincidence; its guts are about what you'd find in a phone or tablet.

The New York Times - Tech

"Dystopian films are about what we are afraid of right now.

Independent

Campaigns are about partisanship, about the contest, but elections are about what actually happened.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's about what's happening now.

Independent

"It's about what's in here.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was about what could be.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are about what", ensure clarity by placing the phrase directly before the subject being defined or discussed. For example: "The questions in the survey are about what people think of the new policy."

Common error

Don't use "are about what" in complex sentences where the subject is unclear. Rephrase to make the sentence more direct and easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are about what" functions as a connector to specify the subject or topic under discussion. According to Ludwig AI, although acceptable, it's often better to rephrase for clarity. Examples in Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, like defining the content of songs or the focus of films.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are about what" is used to pinpoint the subject or core content of something. Ludwig AI advises that while grammatically acceptable, rephrasing can often enhance clarity. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that while "are about what" is frequently used in news and media, there are more formal options available. Therefore, while "are about what" is common, writers should consider the context and audience, opting for more precise language in formal settings. Remember to avoid ambiguity and ensure the subject is clear to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concern what

Replaces "are about" with a more concise verb, emphasizing the subject of concern.

pertain to what

Offers a more formal alternative, highlighting the relevance of something to a specific topic.

revolve around what

Emphasizes the centrality of a subject, suggesting it's the core focus.

deal with what

Indicates the handling or addressing of a particular subject matter.

focus on what

Highlights the main point of attention or emphasis.

address what

Suggests directly tackling or discussing a particular issue.

consider what

Indicates a thoughtful examination of a specific subject.

involve what

Highlights the elements or aspects included within a broader topic.

center on what

Similar to revolve around, indicating a central theme or topic.

relate to what

Indicates a connection or association with a specific subject.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are about what" for better clarity?

Consider using alternatives like "concern what", "revolve around what", or "pertain to what" depending on the specific context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning and formality. For example, /s/concern+what might be more direct, while /s/pertain+to+what may suit formal contexts.

Is "are about what" considered formal or informal?

The phrase "are about what" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, it's better to use more precise language such as "concern", "address", or "relate to". This enhances the clarity and professionalism of your text.

When is it appropriate to use "are about what"?

It's appropriate in casual conversation or informal writing where a more relaxed tone is acceptable. However, for professional or academic contexts, using more specific verbs is recommended to improve clarity and precision.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "are about what"?

Avoid using "are about what" in overly complex sentence structures, as this can lead to ambiguity. Always ensure that the subject of the phrase is clear and directly linked to the phrase to maintain readability and understanding.