thing about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thing about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a topic or aspect of something that is being discussed or considered. Example: "The thing about working from home is that it can be both liberating and isolating at the same time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Best thing about Eleanor?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Funny thing about that.

The New York Times

Best thing about Andy?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The thing about Islam.

The New York Times - Books

The best thing about them?

Independent

"One thing, about the timing.

The New Yorker

"That's the thing about money.

The New Yorker

What's that thing about insanity?

The New Yorker

That's the thing about martagons.

Independent

Funny thing about momentum, though.

The New York Times - Sports

That's the thing about me.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thing about", ensure it clearly introduces the specific aspect or characteristic you intend to discuss. Avoid vagueness by immediately following it with the subject or topic you are referring to.

Common error

While acceptable, excessive use of "thing about" can make writing sound informal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "aspect of" or "consideration regarding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thing about" functions as an introductory element to highlight a particular aspect, feature, or quality of a subject under discussion. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is often followed by the specific point the speaker or writer wishes to emphasize.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thing about" is a common and acceptable way to introduce a specific aspect or characteristic of a topic, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, it is generally considered more appropriate for informal and neutral communication. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "aspect of" or "consideration regarding". Ludwig's analysis shows that "thing about" is most prevalent in News & Media sources, with less common usage in formal business or scientific contexts. Remembering these nuances will help you use the phrase effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspect of

Focuses on a particular feature or side of something.

characteristic of

Highlights a typical or distinguishing quality.

property of

Emphasizes an inherent attribute or quality.

feature of

Identifies a notable element or part.

quality of

Draws attention to a specific trait or attribute.

point about

Introduces a specific consideration or idea.

consideration regarding

Highlights a factor that needs to be taken into account.

detail concerning

Focuses on a specific item of information.

element of

Refers to a component or aspect of something.

peculiarity of

Emphasizes a strange or unusual aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "thing about" in a sentence?

Use "thing about" to introduce a specific aspect, quality, or characteristic of a topic. For example, "The "thing about" working from home is the flexibility it offers."

What are some alternatives to using "thing about"?

You can use alternatives like "aspect of", "characteristic of", or "property of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "thing about" or "aspect of" in formal writing?

"Aspect of" generally carries a more formal tone than "thing about". Therefore, "aspect of" is often preferred in formal writing contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "thing about" in writing?

"Thing about" is appropriate in most informal and neutral contexts where you want to highlight a particular aspect or consideration. It's especially useful when discussing personal opinions or casual observations.