what about something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what about something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a topic or to inquire about a specific subject in a conversation or discussion. Example: "What about something we can do to improve our team's communication?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

What about something as prized as buttery bluefin tuna, a delicacy that has become the forbidden fruit of the sea because of the many threats that have landed the fish on threatened and endangered species lists?

The Washington Post

What about something as simple as your address book?

BBC

But what about something different this time?

The New York Times

MAD MAN 2: What about something lighter.

The New Yorker

What about something more rigorous?

The Guardian

What about something in the water?

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

And what about doing something about the attire of the younger Mr. Bush, who favors off-the-rack suits?

The New York Times

The success of Life and Fate set BBC producers thinking: what about doing something even more ambitious?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But what about giving something else?

HuffPost

What about decorating something that already has real estate in your closet?

Los Angeles Times

If we feel like we're not getting what we deserve, what about saying something?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what about something" to smoothly transition to a new topic or suggest an alternative idea during a discussion. It's a versatile way to introduce fresh perspectives and keep conversations dynamic.

Common error

While versatile, "what about something" can sound too casual in very formal writing. In such cases, consider using more structured alternatives like "In light of this, might we consider..." or "It may also be pertinent to examine..." to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what about something" primarily functions as an interrogative expression used to introduce a new topic, suggestion, or consideration. Ludwig AI identifies its use in initiating discussions and exploring alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what about something" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for suggesting new topics or alternatives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific sources. While versatile, it may be too informal for certain professional contexts. When using this phrase, remember to tailor it to your audience and consider alternatives like "how about something else" or "what if we consider something" when a more structured tone is needed. The key is to use it to encourage further discussion and exploration of ideas, keeping the conversation dynamic and engaging. Remember to not overuse "what about something" in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how about something else

Suggests a complete change of topic or item under consideration.

what if we consider something

Poses a hypothetical scenario with an emphasis on considering a particular thing.

have you thought about something

Inquires whether a particular idea or item has been previously considered.

what's your take on something

Seeks an opinion or perspective on a specific subject.

what are your thoughts on something

Asks for a more elaborate and detailed opinion.

how does something sound

Proposes a solution in the form of a question, indirectly suggesting something.

is there something else we could try

Focuses on exploring alternative options or solutions.

what would you say to something

Proposes a subject for discussion and asks how the listener would receive such a thing.

could we explore something different

Suggests shifting the focus to something novel or previously untouched.

what other options are there regarding something

Emphasizes exploring the different choices one has.

FAQs

How can I use "what about something" in a sentence?

You can use "what about something" to introduce a new idea or suggestion. For example, "We've discussed marketing strategies, but "what about something" more innovative like influencer collaborations?"

What are some alternatives to "what about something"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "how about something else", "what if we consider something", or "have you thought about something" to introduce a new consideration.

Is "what about something" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "what about something" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider more structured alternatives for suggesting ideas.

How does "what about something" differ from "what about everything"?

"What about something" refers to a specific, perhaps unmentioned item, whereas "what about everything" implies considering all aspects or factors relevant to a situation.