About Usage Exercise
Let’s start by looking at these sentences. Read them and then answer the question.
- I read a fascinating book about ancient Egypt.
- They were talking about their holiday plans.
- She is worried about the upcoming exam.
In these sentences, what is the function of the word “about”?
Now for a different use of the word. Read these examples and then answer the question.
- The meeting will start at about 10 AM.
- There were about fifty people at the party.
- The journey takes about three hours.
What does “about” mean in this context?
The phrase “about to” has a very specific meaning. Look at these examples, then answer the question.
- Hurry up! The movie is about to start.
- I was about to call you when my phone rang.
- It looks like it’s about to rain.
What does the phrase “about to” indicate here?
Finally, let’s look at how to avoid some common mistakes. Read these correct and incorrect examples, then answer the question.
- Incorrect: The film is about of a detective.
- Correct: The film is about a detective.
- Incorrect: Let’s discuss about the problem.
- Correct: Let’s discuss the problem.
Based on the examples, what are the common mistakes?
You’ve Discovered The Rules!
1. Topic/Subject: Use ‘about’ to introduce the subject of something.
e.g., “Let’s talk about your plans.”
2. Approximation: Use ‘about’ to mean ‘approximately’ or ‘around’ with numbers, times, and quantities.
e.g., “It costs about €20.”
3. Immediate Future: Use the phrase ‘about to’ before a verb to show something will happen very soon.
e.g., “She is about to leave.”
4. Common Mistakes: Never use “about of”. Don’t use “about” after verbs like “discuss” or “describe”.
e.g., “We discussed the project.” (NOT disgussed about)