that was about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or subject that was previously mentioned or discussed. Example: "The lecture yesterday was fascinating; it was about the impact of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

And that was about that.

The New Yorker

That was about 14 years ago.

The New York Times

That was about that.

The New Yorker

That was about thirteen dollars.

The New Yorker

That was about right.

BBC

So that was about that.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

That's about right.

The New York Times

That's about £15.

Independent

That's about nationality.

The New Yorker

That's about lyrics.

The New Yorker

We think that is about right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was about" to succinctly refer back to a previously discussed topic or event, providing closure or context to the current statement.

Common error

While "that was about" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more precise language to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was about" functions as a connector, linking a previous statement or event to a subsequent comment. It is commonly used to provide context or summarise the essence of what has been discussed. As Ludwig AI says, it's correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was about" is a versatile connector used to reference previous topics or events, primarily in news and media but also in academic settings. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. While generally neutral, it's best to avoid overuse in formal writing, where more precise language may be preferred. Alternative phrases include "it concerned" and "it pertained to". Overall, "that was about" is a common and acceptable phrase in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it concerned

Focuses on the subject matter or topic.

it pertained to

Highlights the relevance or connection to a specific subject.

it revolved around

Emphasizes the central theme or focus.

it was regarding

Indicates the topic or matter being referred to.

it related to

Shows a connection or association with something.

it had to do with

Indicates a connection, involvement, or relevance.

it was in reference to

Specifies that something is being mentioned in connection with something else.

it touched on

Implies a brief mention or discussion of a topic.

it centered on

Highlights the primary focus or main point.

it bore upon

Suggests a direct relevance or influence on a particular subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "that was about" to refer to a topic or event previously mentioned, such as, "The meeting was productive; "that was about" the new marketing strategy".

What are some alternatives to "that was about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it concerned", "it pertained to", or "it related to", depending on the context and desired level of formality. See more alternatives "here".

Is it correct to say "that is about" instead of "that was about"?

While "that is about" can be grammatically correct, it implies a present or future reference. "That was about" refers to something in the past.

What's the difference between "that was about" and "that was all"?

"That was about" refers to the subject matter or topic. "That was all" indicates that there is nothing more to add or consider, like in this sentence: "And "that was about" all".