what about him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what about him" is a valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used after mentioning someone or something in a statement to indicate a desire to discuss or focus on that person or thing. For example: My neighbor has been looking for a new car, so I was wondering what about him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"What about him?" Yogi asks.

The New York Times - Books

"What about him?" Robert asked.

The New Yorker

And what about him?

The Guardian - Sport

But what about him?

The New York Times

So what about him?

The Guardian - Books

"What about him?" Lil' Rev replied.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Then what about naming him after another person?

The New Yorker

But what about for him personally?

The New York Times

Or what about booking him as a stripper?

The Guardian - Opinion

What indeed about him?

Huffington Post

What about those supporting him?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what about him" to introduce a question or topic shift, especially when another person or topic has already been discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "what about him" without a clear preceding context. Make sure it's evident who "him" refers to, or the phrase becomes confusing and lacks clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what about him" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase, used to introduce a question concerning a previously mentioned person. This seeks to shift focus or request additional information. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is valid in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what about him" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to redirect attention to a specific person, often seeking information or raising a point for consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal tone. When using this phrase, ensure a clear preceding context to avoid ambiguity. While effective for conversational redirection, more formal alternatives like "regarding him" may be preferable in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how about him

Uses "how" instead of "what", implying a request for an evaluation or opinion.

regarding him

More formal and directly indicates the topic of consideration.

concerning him

Similar to "regarding him", but slightly more emphatic.

what's his situation

Focuses on the person's circumstances rather than a general inquiry.

and him

Shortened form, implying a continuation of a previous discussion.

what of him

More archaic phrasing, indicating a request for information or consideration.

where does he fit in

Focuses on the role or placement of the person in a specific context.

what's his deal

More informal, questioning the person's motives or intentions.

what about his perspective

Emphasizes the importance of considering the person's viewpoint.

how does he factor in

Focuses on how the person influences or is affected by a situation.

FAQs

How do I use "what about him" in a sentence?

Use "what about him" to redirect a conversation to a specific person, often implying a question or concern, as in, "We've discussed her role; what about him?"

What's a more formal alternative to "what about him"?

For a more formal approach, consider phrases like "regarding him" or "concerning him". These options offer a similar meaning but are better suited for professional contexts.

When is it inappropriate to use "what about him"?

Avoid using "what about him" in situations where it could be perceived as dismissive or insensitive to the person being discussed. Consider the context and your relationship with the involved parties.

What's the difference between "what about him" and "what about his perspective"?

"What about him" is a general inquiry about a person, while "what about his perspective" specifically asks for consideration of their viewpoint. The latter is more targeted and emphasizes understanding.