about
preposition
UK/əˈbaʊt/US/əˈbaʊt/
concerning or on the subject of something.
Example Sentences
The book is about space exploration.
She was talking about her holiday plans.
We need to think about the consequences before making a decision.
I’ve been curious about that topic for a while.
What do you know about the upcoming event?
He asked questions about her experience in the field.
There's something about this painting that captures your attention.
They had a long discussion about how to solve the issue.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
adverb
UK/əˈbaʊt/US/əˈbaʊt/
approximately or nearly.
Example Sentences
It took about an hour to complete the task.
There are about twenty people in the room.
The project is about halfway done.
We should arrive in about ten minutes.
She earns about the same as her colleagues.
The event is expected to last about two hours.
He’s about six feet tall, give or take an inch.
It’s about time we discussed the plan in detail.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Preposition or adverb denoting proximity, approximation, or subject relevance.Understanding the Versatility of 'About'
As a preposition, 'about' can mean 'concerning' or 'regarding', as in:
“We talked about politics.”
It also refers to approximations, such as:
“He arrived at about five o’clock,” implying the time is not exact but close.
As an adverb, 'about' sometimes implies:
- Movement in different directions:
“He wandered about the park.” - A loose sense of location or distribution:
“Books were lying about the room.”
'About' can also convey a sense of readiness or intention, as in:
“I was just about to leave.”
Pay close attention to the context to determine its exact function and meaning, whether referring to a topic, an approximate number, or a location.
This short but versatile word often appears in everyday speech, writing, and idiomatic phrases. In many instances, synonyms like 'approximately', 'around', or 'concerning' can substitute for 'about', though each alternative may slightly change the nuance.
Alternatives
Alternative Words for 'About'
Depending on the context, you can use the following alternatives for 'about':
- To indicate an estimated time or quantity: 'approximately' or 'around'.
- If your meaning is 'on the subject of': 'regarding', 'concerning', or 'on'.
- For describing location: 'around' or 'here and there'.
While these words can replace 'about', they often carry more specific or formal connotations. Choose the best option based on your intended style or tone.
If you wish to convey movement in a location, consider phrases like 'throughout the area' or 'across', though these may slightly adjust the overall meaning.
Writing
In writing, “about” helps convey approximate figures or introduce a topic. For precision, consider alternatives like “approximately” for numerical estimates, or “regarding” for formal contexts. However, “about” is perfectly acceptable for a more casual or neutral tone. It’s also widely used to structure sentences around a subject: “This document is about climate change.” Keep clarity in focus—if the sentence feels ambiguous, replace “about” with a more explicit word. To avoid repetition, substitute synonyms like “concerning,” “on,” or “approximately,” ensuring each context remains clear. Varying your word choice can make your writing more engaging while preserving the intended meaning.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “about” shows up in many phrases: “I’m about to head out,” “I’m thinking about it,” or “He’s just walking about.” It’s versatile for approximate references (“We’ll leave in about ten minutes”) and topic introductions (“Let’s talk about your new job”). You’ll commonly hear it replace more formal expressions in casual settings, maintaining a natural flow. Rely on it when you’re speaking spontaneously, but remember that synonyms like “around” or “regarding” might come in handy if you need to adjust your tone.
Etymology
“About” comes from Old English “abutan” and “onbūtan,” originally meaning “around” or “on the outside.” Over time, its meaning expanded to include not just physical movement but also abstract ideas, topics, and approximations. This progression reflects the flexibility of many English prepositions and adverbs, which can evolve to carry layered meanings in everyday use. Despite its age, “about” remains a cornerstone of English, illustrating how a single word can maintain relevance while continuously adapting to new contexts.
