just about someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is nearly or almost related to a specific person. Example: "The discussion was just about someone who had made a significant impact on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's about Caxton remaining the same, not just about someone else taking over".

The New York Times

Is this just about someone trying to prevent our soldiers from killing our enemies on the battlefield?

The New Yorker

Blind Date was just about someone who wanted to go on a date rather than use it as a platform to make a career for themselves.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"They should be happy when they're little and learn that life isn't just about someone telling you that you have to suffer inexplicably," he said, adding: "The model needs to change because society has changed".

The Guardian

This is why I tell my 97 year old mother that the book I wrote about a young boy who could have turned out to be quite a danger to society is just about someone who will do anything to beat you in a game of Scrabble, or follow you into a deadly cave.

The Guardian - Opinion

You look at people like Craig Mackail-Smith Mackail-Smith and Ian Wrighted out of the non-league and it's just about someone taking a chance on them".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Onstage, when you've just about killed someone, you can stop and turn to the audience and say, 'OK, here's what's going on with me.' It's what I love about theater".

Los Angeles Times

"I can just about see why someone might leave their spouse," Asif said.

The New Yorker

Getting even with someone is just about never the right thing to do.

WikiHow

But I'm not just talking about someone with a clinical diagnosis.

Huffington Post

You don't just tweet about someone, much of the time; you tweet at someone, even if you're mostly talking to your own followers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just about someone" to indicate a near or approximate relationship, ensuring clarity in the context you provide. For example, "The article is just about someone who made a significant impact on the community" clarifies the topic focuses on a specific individual's influence.

Common error

Avoid using "just about someone" when a direct reference to a specific person is more appropriate and clearer. For example, instead of saying, "The story is just about someone I know", consider "The story is about my friend John" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about someone" functions as a prepositional phrase typically modifying a noun or verb, indicating an approximate or indirect relationship to a person. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just about someone" functions as a prepositional phrase to suggest an approximate or indirect connection to a person. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness. While it's less frequent in formal academic writing, it's commonly found in news, media, and general contexts where precise, but not overly specific, language is sufficient. When writing, ensure you're not using it as a replacement for a direct reference to a specific person, which can often improve clarity. Consider alternatives like ""almost concerning someone"" or "nearly regarding someone" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost concerning someone

Emphasizes the near relevance to a person.

nearly regarding someone

Focuses on the close connection to a person.

virtually concerning someone

Highlights the practical equivalence in relation to someone.

practically involving someone

Underscores the actual engagement or implication of a person.

close to someone

Highlights the nearness or proximity in relationship.

nearly affecting someone

Focuses on the potential impact on a person.

about someone specifically

Emphasizes a focus on a particular individual.

in relation to someone

Highlights a comparative aspect in connection with a person.

with respect to someone

Indicates consideration or regard for a person.

concerning someone

A more general alternative, removing the "just" and focusing on relevance.

FAQs

What does "just about someone" mean?

The phrase "just about someone" is used to indicate that something is nearly or closely related to a specific person, but perhaps not exclusively or directly. It suggests approximation or indirect connection.

How can I use "just about someone" in a sentence?

You might use "just about someone" when you want to indicate the topic or subject is generally concerning a person. For instance, "The book is "almost concerning someone" who changed the world."

What are some alternatives to saying "just about someone"?

Alternatives include phrases like "nearly regarding someone", "practically involving someone", or ""almost concerning someone"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "just about someone" in formal writing?

Yes, "just about someone" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing, but consider whether a more direct or specific phrasing might improve clarity. In some cases, it might be better to directly name the person or use a more precise descriptor.