indifferent about

USAGE SUMMARY

"indifferent about" is a perfectly correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has no strong feelings either way about something. For example, "I'm indifferent about what we have for dinner tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the limit to being indifferent about all this indifference is that in this process there is no real deadline.

The Economist

"You can't be indifferent about him.

The New York Times - Sports

Oliwa was indifferent about McCarthy's challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

He said he was indifferent about Judaism before college.

The New York Times

"She isn't indifferent about her father's death," Malick pointed out.

The Guardian - Film

Here, he could afford to simply be indifferent about it.

The Times

Richard Kinley said he feels indifferent about the golf.

The Washington Post

But eventually Lofton sounded indifferent about being targeted by Steinbrenner.

The New York Times - Sports

He also claims to be indifferent about football.

The Guardian

Putin has shown himself indifferent about far more.

The Guardian - Arts

Yet here in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, many people are indifferent about the killings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indifferent about", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the indifference stems from a lack of knowledge, lack of concern, or a deliberate choice to remain neutral.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overuse of the term "indifferent about", especially when conveying a neutral or objective stance. Alternatives like 'objective', 'unbiased', or 'impartial' may provide a more suitable tone, depending on the intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indifferent about" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of lacking interest or concern regarding a particular subject or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indifferent about" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a lack of interest or concern regarding a particular subject. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for various contexts, although alternatives may be more suitable in highly formal settings. While its register is primarily neutral, its usage spans across news, scientific, and academic domains. When using "indifferent about", ensure clarity regarding the reason for the indifference, whether it stems from a lack of knowledge, concern, or a deliberate choice to remain neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

couldn't care less about

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme indifference.

unconcerned about

Emphasizes a lack of worry or anxiety regarding something.

uninterested in

Focuses on a lack of curiosity or desire to engage with something.

apathetic toward

Suggests a deeper lack of emotion or motivation regarding something.

not bothered by

Emphasizes a lack of disturbance or annoyance.

detached from

Implies a separation or lack of connection with something.

unmoved by

Highlights a lack of emotional impact or influence.

blasé about

Indicates a sense of boredom or jadedness regarding something, often implying prior experience.

nonchalant about

Highlights a casual lack of concern or enthusiasm.

complacent about

Suggests a self-satisfied lack of concern, possibly implying a risk.

FAQs

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

You can use "indifferent about" to describe a lack of interest or concern. For instance, "He was "uninterested in" the outcome of the game" or "She seemed "detached from" the project's success".

What are some alternatives to saying "indifferent about"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "unconcerned about", "apathetic toward", or "not bothered by", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "indifferent to" or "indifferent about"?

While both "indifferent to" and "indifferent about" are grammatically correct, "indifferent about" is generally preferred when referring to a specific subject or situation. "Indifferent to" is often used in more general contexts.

What's the difference between "indifferent about" and "neutral about"?

"Indifferent about" implies a lack of interest or concern, while "neutral about" suggests an unbiased or impartial stance. You might be "unmoved by" something because you don't care, or "unaffected about" it because you're trying to remain objective.