is about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “is about” is a perfectly correct and usable part of written English.
It is commonly used to indicate the topic or main focus of a sentence or passage. For example: "This book is about a young girl and her adventures in a magical kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is about deep".

The New Yorker

This is about collaboration.

The Guardian

It is about staying.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is about policy".

The New York Times

He is about forty.

The New Yorker

"Jesus" is about Jesus.

The New Yorker

"Tattoo" is about tattoos.

The New Yorker

It is about 'when'.

The New York Times

Football is about scoring".

BBC

"Football is about entertainment.

BBC

That is about equity".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is about" to clearly and concisely introduce the central topic or theme of your sentence. It ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is about" excessively in long, complex sentences where it can make the sentence sound repetitive or clunky. Consider rephrasing to improve flow and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is about" functions as a linking verb to connect the subject to a noun or noun phrase that describes the topic or subject matter. As Ludwig AI confirms, it clearly and directly identifies the central theme or focus, a function demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is about" is a versatile and frequently used expression that serves to define the subject or central topic of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While alternatives like "concerns" or "deals with" can add variety, "is about" remains a clear and direct choice. Remember to avoid overuse in complex sentences to maintain readability. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "is about" to ensure clarity and focus in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focuses on

Highlights the main point of attention.

deals with

Indicates the subject matter in a more direct way.

discusses

A simpler and more direct synonym for what something is about.

regards

A concise way to express concern or subject matter.

is centered on

Similar to revolves around but with a stronger emphasis on the core subject.

concerns itself with

Replaces "is about" with a more formal and active phrasing.

pertains to

A more formal way of saying "is about", indicating relevance.

revolves around

Suggests a central theme or focus.

is in reference to

A formal way to indicate the subject of discussion or writing.

addresses the issue of

Specifically indicates dealing with a problem or topic.

FAQs

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

Use "is about" to define the subject or main focus. For example, "This article "is about" climate change" indicates the article's topic.

What's a more formal alternative to "is about"?

Formal alternatives include "concerns", "pertains to", or "deals with". For example, instead of "The lecture "is about" quantum physics", you could say "The lecture concerns quantum physics".

How can I avoid overusing "is about" in my writing?

Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing. Instead of "The movie "is about" love and loss", try "The movie explores themes of love and loss".

What's the difference between "is about" and "focuses on"?

"Is about" broadly introduces a topic, while "focuses on" emphasizes a specific aspect or element. Saying "The study "is about" health" is general, but "The study "focuses on" preventative health measures" is more specific.