was more about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was more about' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that a subject is focused on something other than what you may expect. For example, "The exam was more about understanding concepts than memorizing facts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was more about androgyny.

The New York Times

This night was more about offering solutions.

The New York Times

The second was more about me.

The New Yorker

He was more about sports, every sport".

The New York Times - Sports

It was more about the fathers".

Independent

It was more about winning.

The Guardian - Sport

"Before, it was more about records".

The New York Times - Magazine

Survival was more about luck than skill.

The Guardian - Books

It was more about the people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was more about the equipment.

The New Yorker

It was more about completing it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "centered more on" or "focused primarily on" to diversify your language and avoid repetition.

Common error

Ensure you clearly state both elements of the comparison. Avoid using "was more about" without explicitly mentioning what it was not about, as this can lead to ambiguity and weaken the intended emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was more about" functions as a comparative connector, emphasizing a particular aspect or focus in contrast to another. As Ludwig AI suggests, it helps highlight what a subject is primarily focused on. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from sports to personal development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was more about" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a shift in focus or priority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to clarify intentions and reframe understanding. While it enjoys neutral formality, it's important to ensure complete comparisons to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "centered more on" for stylistic variation. This phrase helps writers clearly convey the primary emphasis of a subject in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focused primarily on

Highlights the main focus, suggesting other elements are secondary.

placed greater emphasis on

Shows a shift in focus, giving more weight to a particular aspect.

centered more on

Shifts the focus to the central element, emphasizing its importance.

concerned mainly with

Indicates a primary area of concern, often suggesting a problem or issue.

laid emphasis on

Similar to placed greater emphasis on, but with a slightly more formal tone.

emphasized the importance of

Directly states what was considered important, prioritizing that aspect.

prioritized

Indicates something was given precedence over other things.

depended more on

Suggests reliance on a specific factor, highlighting its influence.

revolved around

Suggests the subject was the central point, with everything else connected to it.

hinged on

Implies that the outcome or success depended on a specific element.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "was more about" in a sentence?

The phrase "was more about" is used to emphasize a particular aspect or focus, contrasting it with something else. For example, "The project "was more about" collaboration than individual achievement."

What are some alternatives to "was more about"?

Alternatives include "centered more on", "focused primarily on", or "emphasized the importance of", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to use "was more about"?

Yes, "was more about" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English to indicate a primary focus or emphasis.

What's the difference between "was more about" and "concerned mainly with"?

"Was more about" typically indicates a shift in focus or priority, whereas "concerned mainly with" suggests a primary area of concern or attention. They can be similar, but the latter often implies a problem or issue.