it was about something that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was about something that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a topic or subject matter that is being discussed or described. Example: "The documentary was fascinating; it was about something that changed the course of history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It was about something that transcended that whole canvas".

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For me, it's about something that's sustainable".

The Guardian

In fact, it's about something that would prove to be a constant in her life.

The Guardian - Music

It is about something that happened 15 years ago, when she was practicing independently for the first time.

The New York Times - Health

It's about something that matters a bit more," he says.

The Guardian - Business

Generally speaking, it garners more attention when it's about something that can be identified as stereotypically Scottish.

The Guardian

When asked what was most important to his songwriting, he said: "That it's about something that happened to me, you're digging up from your own mud.

The Guardian - Music

"The concern is, you are in a packed auditorium, this is a polarizing issue and it's about something that happened in New York," Wilson said.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is about something that happened over 60 years ago, of honouring the memory of Greek citizens who were sacrificed for their country".

The Guardian

"What Jagmeet did in pushing for coverage of what's going on in Punjab isn't about the deaths that have occured recently, it's about something that's been going on for many years.

Independent

It is about something that is not really survey at all.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was about something that" to introduce a key element or theme, ensuring clarity and focus for your audience. This construction helps highlight the significance of the 'something' you are about to describe.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on "something" as it can lead to vagueness. Instead, try to specify what "it" was about to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. For example, instead of "It was about something that happened years ago", consider "It was about a historical event that shaped our present."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was about something that" primarily functions as a connector, introducing a clause that specifies the subject or topic under discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to introduce a key element or theme.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was about something that" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for introducing a subject or topic. Ludwig confirms its correctness and general applicability. Although versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing to enhance precision. The phrase frequently appears in News & Media and Wiki sources, suggesting its broad usability. While it effectively connects ideas, avoid overuse to maintain clarity and specify what the "something" refers to for more impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it concerned something which

Replaces 'about' with 'concerned' and 'that' with 'which', maintaining a similar level of formality.

it pertained to something that

Uses 'pertained to' to indicate relevance, adding a slightly more formal tone.

it revolved around something that

Indicates that something was central or pivotal, emphasizing its importance.

it focused on something that

Highlights the concentration or emphasis on a particular aspect.

it was related to something that

Indicates a connection or association with something.

it involved something that

Highlights the inclusion or participation of something in a process or situation.

it had to do with something that

A more colloquial way of saying 'it concerned', implying a connection.

the matter involved something that

Introduces 'matter' as the subject, making the sentence slightly more formal.

the topic was something that

Focuses on the subject of discussion or analysis.

the subject concerned something that

Similar to 'it concerned something that', but starts with the subject.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was about something that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it concerned a matter that", "it pertained to an issue that", or "it revolved around a concept that" depending on the specific context.

What are some common synonyms for "it was about something that"?

Common synonyms include phrases like "it focused on something that", "it related to something that", or "it involved something that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was about something that" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "it was about something that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Can I use "it was about something that" in academic writing?

While acceptable, "it was about something that" might be too informal for some academic contexts. Consider more precise and formal alternatives like "it concerned a phenomenon that" or "it investigated a process that" to maintain a professional tone.