what about them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what about them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about the status, condition, or relevance of a group of people or things previously mentioned. Example: "We've discussed the project timeline and budget, but what about them? How do they fit into our plans?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

WHAT ABOUT THEM FASCINATES YOU? A. Skin stem cells have special properties that the ordinary skin cells lack.

The New York Times - Science

But what about THEM respecting OUR rights, our country and our laws?

Huffington Post

What about them?

The New York Times

Well, what about them?

The New Yorker

So, then, what about them?

The New York Times

Cameron: What about them?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

practice on other animals what good about them and what's bad.

WikiHow

What about toughening them up?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What about schooling them in that process?

The New Yorker

What about making them buy a new ticket in Barcelona, if they already had one?

The New York Times

But what about plugging them into your body?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what about them?", ensure the context makes it clear who or what "them" refers to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "what about them?" when the group or individuals have already been extensively discussed; it implies a lack of attention or understanding on your part.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what about them" functions as an interrogative expression, used to introduce a question concerning the status, condition, or relevance of a previously mentioned entity. As Ludwig AI shows, it prompts further consideration of a specific group or topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what about them" is a common and grammatically correct interrogative expression used to inquire about the status, relevance, or condition of a previously mentioned group or topic. As Ludwig AI indicates, it prompts consideration of overlooked aspects, especially in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral leaning to informal, more formal alternatives are preferable in business and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes it clear who or what "them" refers to, to avoid any possible ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What's the situation with them?

Focuses specifically on the current state or circumstances.

How do they factor in?

Emphasizes the importance of their inclusion or consideration in a plan or discussion.

What's their role?

Highlights the function or part they play.

What becomes of them?

Raises concern about the future outcome or fate.

Have they been considered?

Questions whether they have been taken into account.

What's the deal with them?

Seeks to understand the full story or implications surrounding them.

How do we handle them?

Focuses on the necessary actions or procedures.

What are their needs?

Shifts attention to the requirements or desires of the group.

What are their concerns?

Highlights their worries or anxieties.

Where do they fit in?

Explores their proper placement or integration within a larger context.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what about them" to sound more formal?

In more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "What is their status?", "How do we account for them?", or "What considerations should be given to them?" depending on the specific context.

Is "what about them" appropriate for professional communication?

While grammatically correct, "what about them" may sound too informal for certain professional contexts. Evaluate your audience and the overall tone before using it. For example, in a business setting, you might prefer something like "What is their role in this project?".

Can "what about them" be used in academic writing?

Generally, it's better to use more precise and formal language in academic writing. Instead of "what about them", consider alternatives like "What is the impact on these variables?", "What implications do they have?", or "What is their significance in this context?".

What are some common conversational scenarios where "what about them" is suitable?

This phrase is perfectly suitable when you want to bring up a point regarding something that was previously unmentioned, in an informal discussion. Example: "We've discussed the benefits for employers, but "what about the employees"?"