about

Preposition

UK: /əˈbaʊt/

US: /əˈbaʊt/


Definition

"About" means talking or referring to something or being around a place or time.

"About" is a versatile preposition used to indicate various relationships, including:

  1. Concerning or Regarding: Referring to the subject or topic of something.
  2. Around: Indicating a location or time that is approximate or surrounding.
  3. In the vicinity of: Referring to a general location or area.

Examples and Usage

▶️ Talking or Referring to Something

Example: We read a book about dinosaurs.

  • Explanation: "About" means the book is talking or telling us things related to dinosaurs.

Example: The teacher told us a story about a magical dragon.

  • Explanation: "About" means the story is about or related to a magical dragon.

Example: We read a book about animals.

  • Explanation: "About" means the book is talking or telling us things related to animals.

Example: The teacher told us a story about a brave knight.

  • Explanation: "About" means the story is about or related to a brave knight.

▶️ Being Around a Place or Time

Example: We will play outside at about 3 o’clock.

  • Explanation: "About" means around that time, not exactly at 3 o’clock.

Example: There are many birds flying about in the sky.

  • Explanation: "About" means the birds are flying around in the sky.

Example: We will play outside at about 3 o’clock.

  • Explanation: "About" means around that time, not exactly at 3 o’clock.

Example: There are many toys scattered about the room.

  • Explanation: "About" means the toys are scattered around the room.

▶️ Concerning or Regarding

Example: The meeting was about the upcoming project deadlines.

  • Explanation: "About" means the meeting concerned or discussed project deadlines.

Example: She wrote an article about climate change.

  • Explanation: "About" means the article is related to or covers the topic of climate change.

▶️ Around (Location or Time)

Example: The event will start at about 7 PM.

  • Explanation: "About" indicates an approximate time.

Example: There are many historic buildings around the city center.

  • Explanation: "About" is used to suggest the general vicinity of the city center.

▶️ In the Vicinity Of

Example: The house is situated about a mile from the park.

  • Explanation: "About" indicates an approximate distance.

Example: There were about 50 people at the conference.

  • Explanation: "About" suggests an approximate number of people.

How to Use "About"

When talking about a topic or referring to a time:

☑️Example: The movie is about a friendly dinosaur.

  • Subject: The movie
  • Predicate: is about a friendly dinosaur
    • "About" (preposition meaning the movie is related to a friendly dinosaur)

☑️Example: We will go to bed at about 8 o’clock.

  • Subject: We
  • Predicate: will go to bed at about 8 o’clock
    • "About" (preposition meaning around the time of 8 o’clock)

☑️Example: The movie is about a brave superhero.

  • Subject: The movie
  • Predicate: is about a brave superhero
    • "About" (preposition meaning the movie is about or related to a superhero)

☑️Example: We will meet at about lunchtime.

  • Subject: We
  • Predicate: will meet at about lunchtime
    • "About" (preposition meaning around the time of lunchtime)

Detailed Usage

When indicating subjects, topics, approximate values, or locations:

Discussing Topics

☑️Example: The professor gave a lecture about renewable energy sources.

  • Subject: The professor
  • Predicate: gave a lecture about renewable energy sources
    • "About" (preposition meaning the topic of the lecture)

Indicating Approximate Time or Quantity

☑️Example: We expect the delivery to arrive at about noon.

  • Subject: We
  • Predicate: expect the delivery to arrive at about noon
    • "About" (preposition indicating approximate time)

Describing General Location

☑️Example: There are numerous restaurants about the downtown area.

  • Subject: Restaurants
  • Predicate: are numerous about the downtown area
    • "About" (preposition meaning in or around the downtown area)

More Examples

☑️Example: The book provides insights about the history of ancient civilizations.

  • Explanation: "About" means the book deals with the subject of ancient civilizations.

☑️Example: The temperature is expected to be about 75 degrees Fahrenheit today.

  • Explanation: "About" indicates an approximate temperature.

Contextual Notes

  • Versatility: "About" is a flexible preposition used in various contexts, including discussions of topics, approximations of time, numbers, and locations.
  • Practical Usage: Commonly used in both written and spoken language to convey general information or relationships.

Notes

  • Simple Explanation: "About" can mean talking about something or being around a place or time.
  • Age Appropriateness: This explanation uses easy words and examples to help kids understand.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Concerning Regarding Around Approximately Nearby In the vicinity of

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Exact Precise Specific Far From Outside