neutral about

USAGE SUMMARY

"neutral about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing someone or something that does not display strong feelings either way about a particular topic. For example, "He seemed neutral about the issue and was not willing to take a stance either way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What was neutral about that?

Independent

Nothing is neutral about type.

The New York Times

Nothing neutral about that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We were neutral about that".

The Guardian - Opinion

No one was neutral about Lillian.

The New Yorker

No one feels neutral about this show.

The New York Times - Arts

Mothers are seldom neutral about one another.

The New York Times

(Mr. King seems neutral about Mr. Geffen).

The New York Times

But I'm certainly not neutral about who wins out here.

The Guardian - Sport

I can't pretend to be neutral about any of this.

The Guardian - Books

The Swiss, who had been neutral about Hitler!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "neutral about" to convey impartiality or lack of strong feelings, especially in sensitive or contentious situations. For instance, when moderating a debate, remaining "neutral about" the participants' viewpoints ensures fairness.

Common error

While "neutral about" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "don't care" or "have no opinion" might sound more natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "neutral about" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of bias or strong opinion. Ludwig examples show its widespread use in describing attitudes towards various subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "neutral about" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of strong opinion or bias towards a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found across various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. While interchangeable with alternatives like "indifferent to" or "unbiased towards", it's crucial to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overusing it in informal contexts should be avoided for a more natural tone. With a high expert rating and frequent occurrence in authoritative sources, "neutral about" remains a valuable tool for conveying impartiality in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unopinionated about

Directly states the absence of strong opinions.

impartial regarding

Focuses on a lack of bias or favoritism, especially in judgment or decision-making.

unbiased towards

Highlights the absence of prejudice or preconceived notions.

even-handed with

Suggests fairness and equal treatment towards different sides.

disinterested in

Emphasizes a lack of personal interest or investment in the subject.

objective regarding

Stresses a factual and unemotional perspective.

indifferent to

Indicates a lack of concern or interest.

apathetic about

Suggests a lack of feeling or emotion.

detached from

Implies a separation or distance from the issue.

noncommittal on

Highlights a refusal to take a definite position.

FAQs

How to use "neutral about" in a sentence?

You can use "neutral about" to describe a state of indifference or lack of strong opinion on a particular subject. For example: "The mediator remained "neutral about" the dispute to ensure a fair resolution."

What can I say instead of "neutral about"?

You can use alternatives like "indifferent to", "unbiased towards", or "disinterested in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "neutral about" or "neutral towards"?

Both "neutral about" and "neutral towards" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, as they convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "neutral about" and "objective about"?

"Neutral about" indicates a lack of strong feelings or opinions, while "objective about" implies a focus on facts and evidence without personal bias. While related, objectivity emphasizes impartiality based on verifiable information.