is not about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify the main focus or subject of a discussion, argument, or piece of writing. Example: "This book is not about just the history of art; it also explores the cultural significance behind each piece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The book is not about tragic ends.

The New York Times - Books

Metal is not about APPEARANCE.

WikiHow

This is not about residency.

Independent

Art is not about freedom.

The New Yorker

"It is not about contraception.

The New York Times

This is not about stats.

The New York Times

This is not about me!!!

The New York Times

It is not about us".

The New York Times - Sports

Evolution is not about progress.

The Economist

It is not about power.

The Guardian

"This is not about money.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not about", immediately follow with what the subject is about to provide a clear contrast and maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "is not about" without specifying what the topic actually is. This can leave the audience confused and unsure of the intended message. Always provide a clear alternative focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not about" functions as a negating connector, used to explicitly state what a particular subject does not concern, aiming to clarify its true focus or purpose. Ludwig AI validates this, confirming its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not about" is a versatile phrase used to explicitly define the boundaries of a topic by stating what it does not concern. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to redirect focus and clarify understanding. When employing this phrase, ensure you follow up with what the subject is about to avoid confusion. Alternatives like "does not concern" or "is not focused on" can add nuance, but "is not about" remains a straightforward and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not concern

Emphasizes a lack of relevance or pertinence.

is not focused on

Highlights a different area of concentration.

doesn't revolve around

Suggests that something is not central or pivotal.

is unrelated to

Indicates a lack of connection or association.

is distinct from

Points out a clear difference or separation.

bears no relation to

Stresses the absence of any link or similarity.

is independent of

Suggests that something is not influenced or determined by something else.

is divorced from

Indicates a complete separation or detachment.

is not tied to

Implies that there is no binding connection or obligation.

is separate from

Highlights the discrete nature of two or more things.

FAQs

How can I use "is not about" in a sentence?

Use "is not about" to clarify the true subject or purpose when addressing potential misconceptions. For example, "This policy is not about limiting creativity; it's about fostering a safe work environment".

What are some alternatives to "is not about"?

You can use alternatives like "does not concern", "is not focused on", or "doesn't revolve around" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is not about" or "concerns something else entirely"?

"Is not about" is a more direct and common way to redirect focus. "Concerns something else entirely" is more emphatic and can be useful when correcting a significant misunderstanding.

When should I avoid using "is not about"?

Avoid using "is not about" in highly formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or sophisticated phrasing might be expected. Instead, consider phrases like "is distinct from" or "bears no relation to".