is partly about

USAGE SUMMARY

Yes, "The article is partly about the effects of climate change on polar bears." This phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English to indicate that a certain portion of the topic being discussed is related to the subject referenced.
It can be used when one wants to emphasize that the subject is not the only focus of the discussion, but it plays a significant role in it. Other examples could include: - "The book is partly about the author's personal experiences, but it also delves into larger societal issues." - "The movie is partly about a love story, but it also explores themes of friendship and betrayal." - "The presentation is partly about current market trends, but it also addresses potential challenges in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Isn't that what the Brexit row is partly about?

The Guardian

It is partly about politics.

University of California, Berkeley

It is partly about the numbers.

The New York Times

This is partly about policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is partly about money.

The Guardian

That is partly about budgets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is partly about investment.

The Guardian

Of course this is partly about regulation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The story is partly about a marriage.

The Guardian - Film

"The trip is partly about self-discovery.

The Guardian - Travel

So it is partly about the money.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that when using "is partly about", you also address the other significant aspects of the main topic, providing a balanced view.

Common error

Avoid using "is partly about" when the subject is actually a central or dominant theme. Doing so undermines the subject's true significance and misleads readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is partly about" serves as a qualifier, indicating that a particular topic or subject is one aspect or element within a larger context or discussion. Ludwig's examples showcase its utility in specifying the scope of a subject, ensuring that the audience understands the focus is not exclusive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is partly about" is a versatile tool for specifying the scope of a topic within a broader context. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various writing styles. With the primary goal of setting expectations and managing scope, this phrase is commonly found in news media and academic writing. When writing with "is partly about", always use practical usage tips to contextualize the claims and avoid overstating the subject's importance. By using this phrase correctly, you can provide a balanced view that captures all aspects of the main topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is partially related to

Indicates a partial connection rather than a central theme, similar to "is partly about".

is concerned in part with

Emphasizes that the topic is among the concerns addressed, but not the only one.

is one aspect of

Focuses on the idea that the topic is a single component among many.

is in some measure connected with

Highlights the extent to which a topic is involved, showing a proportional relationship.

is a contributing factor to

Highlights the causative role of the subject, but also suggests other causes.

touches on

Suggests a brief or surface-level involvement with a subject.

plays a role in

Indicates the involvement of the subject without specifying its importance.

is tangentially related to

Implies a less direct or significant connection than "is partly about".

is associated with

Suggests a connection without implying causality or central importance.

is partly due to

Explains that something is caused by the subject, but not entirely.

FAQs

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

Use "is partly about" to indicate that a topic is one of several aspects of a broader subject. For example, "The article "is partly about" the economic impact of the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "is partly about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is partially related to", "touches on", or "is one aspect of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I decide if "is partly about" is the right phrase to use?

Choose "is partly about" when you want to highlight that a subject is relevant but not the sole focus. If the subject is central, consider using phrases like "is mainly about" or "is primarily about".

Is it redundant to say "is partly about" if the context already implies a partial connection?

While context can sometimes imply a partial connection, using "is partly about" can provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. It explicitly signals that the subject is not the entire focus of the discussion.