this is not about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is not about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to clarify that the subject being discussed is not related to a particular topic or issue. Example: "While many may think this discussion is about money, this is not about financial gain but rather about ethical considerations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is not about residency.

Independent

This is not about stats.

The New York Times

This is not about me!!!

The New York Times

"This is not about money.

BBC

"This is not about tactics.

The New York Times

"This is not about withdrawal".

The New York Times

This is not about fantasy.

The New Yorker

This is not about that.

The Guardian - Sport

This is not about her.

The New York Times

This is not about vigilantes".

Independent

This is not about contraceptives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is not about" to clearly demarcate the boundaries of a discussion, preventing tangents and maintaining focus on the central topic. This phrase is effective in ensuring that irrelevant information doesn't cloud the main issue.

Common error

Avoid using "this is not about" when the topic is tangentially related but still relevant. Make sure there is a clear and logical disconnect before using the phrase to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is not about" serves as a disclaimer or a refutation, aiming to clarify the actual subject or purpose. It's used to steer the conversation away from a potential misinterpretation or irrelevant topic. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its proper and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is not about" is a versatile phrase used to redirect focus and clarify the intended subject of a discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and general discourse. It serves to prevent misunderstandings and tangents, ensuring clarity in communication. When using this phrase, ensure the shift in focus is logically sound to avoid confusion. Alternatives include "this doesn't concern" or "this isn't related to" depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this doesn't concern

Emphasizes a lack of relevance or implication for a particular subject.

this isn't related to

Highlights the absence of a connection or association.

this has nothing to do with

Strongly denies any involvement or relevance.

the focus isn't on

Directly states the current subject is not the primary concern.

the issue is not

Specifies that a particular point is not the central problem.

that's beside the point

Indicates the mentioned topic is irrelevant to the current discussion.

that's not the subject

Clarifies the topic is different from what was previously mentioned.

it's not a question of

Points out that a specific aspect is not the matter being discussed.

the real issue is

Redirects attention to what is considered the actual, more important matter.

let's not talk about

Suggests avoiding a particular topic to maintain focus on another.

FAQs

How can I use "this is not about" effectively in a sentence?

Use "this is not about" to redirect focus from a potentially distracting or irrelevant topic. For example, "This is not about money; it's about the principle of the matter."

What are some alternatives to "this is not about"?

Alternatives include "this doesn't concern", "this isn't related to", or "this has nothing to do with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to start a sentence with "This is not about"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "this is not about". It's a clear and direct way to indicate a shift in focus or to clarify the scope of a discussion.

How does the formality of "this is not about" compare to similar phrases?

"This is not about" is generally neutral in tone. More formal alternatives might include "this does not concern", while more informal options could be "that's beside the point".