Language/English/Vocabulary/About

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Hi English learners,

In this lesson, we will learn different use of the word "About".

"About" Versus "round"[edit | edit source]

About + infinitive (with to) means 'going to very soon’; ‘just going to’

Examples:

  • Don't go out now - we're about to have lunch.
  • I was about to go to bed when the telephone rang.
  • "Not about to" can mean 'unwilling to’: I ’m not about to pay 100 dollars for that dress. 

"(a)round" Versus "about"[edit | edit source]

circular movement, etc: (a)round[edit | edit source]

We use both round and around (American English usually around) for movement or position in a circle or a curve. 

Examples:

  • She walked (a)round the car and looked at the wheels.
  • I'd like to travel (a)round the world.
  • ‘Where do you live?' ‘Just (a)round the corner.’ 

touring, distribution: round[edit | edit source]

We also use round or around (American English usually around) to talk about going to all (or most) parts of a place, or giving things to everybody in a group. 

Examples:

  • We walked (a)round the old part o f the town.
  • Can I look (a)round? Could you pass the cups (a)round, please?

indefinite movement and position[edit | edit source]

We use "round" or "about" (American English usually around) to refer to movements or positions that are not very clear or definite: ‘here and there’, ‘in lots of places’, ‘in different parts of, ‘somewhere in’ and similar ideas. 

Examples:

  • The children were running around/about everywhere.
  • Stop standing around/about and do some work.
  • ‘Where's Jack?’ ‘Somewhere around/about.’
  • I like doing odd jobs around/about the house. 

We also use these words in some common expressions to talk about time-wasting or silly activity. 

Example:

  • Stop fooling around/about. We're late. 

"about" Versus "on"[edit | edit source]

We use "about" to talk about ordinary, more general kinds of communication.

"On" suggests that a book, talk, etc is more serious, suitable for specialists.

Compare:

  • a book for children about Africa and its peoples
  • a textbook on African history
  • a conversation about money
  • a lecture on economics  

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