not about

USAGE SUMMARY

"not about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in questions or to emphasize a point. For example, "What is this article not about?" or "This article is not about politics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not about pretty.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not about wrestling.

The New Yorker

It's not about hiding.

The New York Times

"That's not about security.

The Economist

"It's not about guns.

The New York Times

Fret not about tomorrow.

WikiHow

It's not about circus.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not about bribes.

The New Yorker

It's not about speed.

The New York Times - Sports

That's not about race.

The New Yorker

It's not about gathering".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not about" to clearly define what a topic doesn't encompass, especially when clarifying potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple clauses using "not about" in a single sentence. This can lead to confusion. Break down complex ideas into simpler statements for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not about" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to negate or exclude a particular subject, aspect, or focus from a discussion or statement. It serves to define the boundaries of a topic, clarifying what is not being addressed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not about" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to negate or exclude a particular topic, ensuring clarity and focus in communication. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and suitable for both written and spoken English. While prevalent in various contexts, it's especially common in news and media. When aiming for more formal expression, consider alternatives like "unrelated to" or "outside the scope of". Always aim for clarity when using "not about" to prevent potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrelevant to

Emphasizes the lack of relevance of something.

unrelated to

Highlights the absence of a connection or association.

beside the point

Indicates that something is not pertinent to the current discussion.

off topic

Suggests a deviation from the main subject.

not concerning

Focuses on the lack of concern or relevance to a specific entity.

nothing to do with

Emphasizes a complete lack of connection or involvement.

not focused on

Highlights a different area of attention or concentration.

independent of

Suggests a separate and unrelated existence.

distinct from

Indicates a clear separation or difference.

outside the scope of

Specifies that something falls beyond the defined boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "not about" in a sentence?

Use "not about" to negate the focus of a particular subject. For example, "This discussion is "not about money"; it's about principles."

What's the difference between "not about" and "irrelevant to"?

"Not about" generally denies a topic's pertinence, while "irrelevant to" indicates a complete lack of importance or connection to the matter at hand.

What can I say instead of "not about" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "unrelated to" or "outside the scope of" to convey a similar meaning with increased sophistication.

Is it always correct to use "not about" in written English?

Yes, "not about" is generally considered correct and usable in written English. However, ensure the context is appropriate and the phrasing is clear. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive.