it was about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was about' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are introducing a topic or summarizing a story. For example: I just read a great book; it was about a group of friends who solved a mystery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was about 33.

The New York Times - Arts

It was about engineering".

The New York Times

It was about suicide.

The New Yorker

So it was about..

University of California, Berkeley

That's what it was about".

The New York Times

"It was about dignity.

The New York Times

"It was about him".

The New York Times

It was about freedom".

The Guardian - Tech

It was about her.

The New Yorker

It was about survival.

The Economist

It was about positioning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was about" to introduce the core topic or essence of a situation, story, or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "it was about" when the subject to which "it" refers is vague or undefined. Always ensure the pronoun's antecedent is clear to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was about" serves as a predicative expression, connecting a subject (it) to a description of its essence or topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was about" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to define the core subject, purpose, or theme of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. Key to using "it was about" effectively is ensuring clarity in pronoun reference and context. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "it concerned" or "the focus was on", the specific choice should reflect the nuance you wish to convey. Mastering its usage involves avoiding ambiguity and aligning the phrase with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the subject was

Provides a straightforward way to introduce the topic.

it concerned

Replaces "about" with "concerned", focusing on the matter at hand.

it centered on

Highlights the main point or focus of something.

the focus was on

Shifts the emphasis to the focal point of the discussion.

it was regarding

Offers an alternative to "about" that maintains a similar meaning.

the point was

Highlights the core message or idea being conveyed.

the matter revolved around

Emphasizes that the topic was central to the discussion or situation.

it pertained to

Indicates a more formal connection or relevance.

it involved

Implies that the topic was a component or element of something larger.

it related to

Indicates a connection or association with the specified topic.

FAQs

What does "it was about" mean?

The phrase "it was about" is used to describe the main topic, subject, or purpose of something. It indicates what something concerned or focused on.

How can I use "it was about" in a sentence?

You can use "it was about" to introduce a summary or description of an event, idea, or story. For example, "The movie "it was about" a group of friends on a road trip".

What are some alternatives to "it was about"?

Some alternatives include "it concerned", "it revolved around", or "it pertained to", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it was about"?

Yes, "it was about" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It is a standard way to express the central theme or focus of something.