All You Need to Know About “About” in English
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When it comes to the English language, the word “about” is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways. In this blog post, we will explore the different uses and meanings of “about” in English, as well as provide alternative phrases that can be used interchangeably.
Examples of using “about” in English
a) Approximate Quantity: “I have about five dollars in my wallet.”
b) Concerning or Regarding: “Let’s talk about the upcoming project.”
c) On the Subject of: “She gave a speech about climate change.”
d) Around or Surrounding: “There is a lot of buzz about the new movie.”
When used as a preposition, “about” indicates the subject or topic of something. For example, “I am writing a blog post about the importance of exercise.” In this sentence, “about” is used to convey the subject of the blog post, which is the importance of exercise.
On the other hand, when used as an adverb, “about” can indicate an approximation or an estimation. For example, “There were about 50 people at the event.” In this sentence, “about” is used to convey an approximate number of people at the event.
In addition to its prepositional and adverbial uses, the word “about” can also function as an adjective, a noun, or a verb in different contexts. For example:
- Adjective: “I have an about average height.”
- Noun: “Let’s talk about the upcoming project.”
- Verb: “I will about the issue with my supervisor.”
“About” is not followed by the preposition”of”
Each of “about” uses has its own specific meaning and grammatical rules, but it is important to remember that “about” should not be followed by the preposition “of” in any of these contexts.
For example, it is incorrect to say, “I am writing a blog post about of the importance of exercise.” The correct usage is simply “about the importance of exercise.”
Using “About” at the Beginning of a Sentence
One common usage of “about” is at the beginning of a sentence to indicate the topic or subject being discussed. For example:
“About the new movie, have you heard any reviews?”
This usage is particularly useful when you want to bring attention to a specific topic or shift the focus of the conversation.
When it comes to introducing a topic or changing the subject, the word “about” can only be used in informal styles of writing or speaking. In more formal contexts, it is important to use alternative phrases that convey a similar meaning. Here are some formal alternatives to “about” that you can use:
- With regard to: This phrase is often used to introduce a specific aspect or aspect of a topic. For example, “With regard to the recent changes in company policy, we would like to inform you…”
- Regarding: Similar to “with regard to,” this phrase is used to indicate the subject or matter being discussed. For instance, “Regarding the upcoming conference, we have some important updates to share…”
- As for: This phrase is used to introduce a related topic or provide additional information. For instance, “As for the budget allocation, we have decided to allocate more funds to marketing initiatives…”
- As regards: Similar to “as for,” this phrase is used to discuss or provide information about a particular aspect. For example, “As regards the safety measures, we have implemented new protocols to ensure the well-being of our employees…”
- As far as: This phrase is used to indicate the extent or limit of a particular topic. For example, “As far as customer satisfaction is concerned, we have received positive feedback from our recent surveys…”
Test your knowledge about in English
See if you can answer some questions correctly.
Correct use of about
Correct Usage:
1. I am thinking about going to the movies tonight.
Explanation: In this sentence, “about” is used correctly to indicate the subject’s thoughts or plans regarding going to the movies.
2. She told me about her recent trip to Paris.
Explanation: Here, “about” is used correctly to convey the idea that someone shared information or details about a specific topic, in this case, a recent trip to Paris.
3. The book is about the history of ancient civilizations.
Explanation: In this sentence, “about” is used correctly to indicate the subject matter or topic of the book, which is the history of ancient civilizations.
4. He is worried about the upcoming exam.
Explanation: Here, “about” is used correctly to express someone’s concern or worry regarding the upcoming exam.
5. Let’s talk about the project during our meeting.
Explanation: In this sentence, “about” is used correctly to suggest discussing or focusing on the project during the meeting.
Incorrect Usage:
1. I am thinking about to go to the movies tonight.
Explanation: The word “about” should not be followed by the infinitive form of the verb. Instead, it should be followed by the base form of the verb, as in the correct sentence: “I am thinking about going to the movies tonight.”
2. She told me about of her recent trip to Paris.
Explanation: The word “about” should not be followed by the preposition “of.” Instead, it should be used alone, as in the correct sentence: “She told me about her recent trip to Paris.”
3. The book is about of the history of ancient civilizations.
Explanation: Similar to the previous incorrect sentence, the word “about” should not be followed by the preposition “of.” The correct sentence should be: “The book is about the history of ancient civilizations.”
4. He is worried about for the upcoming exam.
Explanation: The word “about” should not be followed by the preposition “for.” Instead, it should be used alone, as in the correct sentence: “He is worried about the upcoming exam.”
5. Let’s talk about of the project during our meeting.
Explanation: The word “about” should not be followed by the preposition “of.” Instead, it should be used alone, as in the correct sentence: “Let’s talk about the project during our meeting.”
Using “Be About to Do Something” Instead of “Be About Doing”
Another way to use “about” is in the phrase “be about to do something.” This expression is used to indicate that someone is on the verge of doing something in the near future. For example:
“I was about to leave when the phone rang.”
if you want to emphasize upcoming actions that are about to take place, use the appropriate form of about. Instead of using the phrase “be about doing,” which is incorrect, use “be about to do something”.
Avoid “About” + Infinitive Verb
The word “about” should not be followed by the infinitive form of the verb. For example, saying “I am excited about to go on vacation” is incorrect. Instead, it should be “I am excited about going on vacation.” Using the gerund form of the verb after “about” ensures proper grammar and sentence structure.
“About” and “In My Own Case”
When expressing a personal opinion or experience, it is common to use phrases like “as for me”, “myself” or “in my own case.” These phrases help to indicate that the following statement is based on personal perspective. For example:
“As for me, I love this new restaurant.”
“In my own case, I prefer to travel by train.”
It is important to note that while these phrases are commonly used, they should be used sparingly and in appropriate contexts to ensure clarity and coherence in your communication.
It is worth adding that “in my own case” should especially be used in an informal style.
Conclusion
The word “about” holds various meanings and uses in the English language. Whether it is used to indicate the topic of discussion, express imminent action, or convey personal perspectives, “about” is a versatile word that adds depth and clarity to your language. By incorporating alternative phrases and expressions, you can enhance your language skills and communicate effectively in a variety of contexts.