English Dictionary
Definition about in British English
about
adverb, preposition
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
adverb, preposition
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
About can be used in the following ways:
as a preposition (followed by a noun): He told me about your problem.
as an adverb (without a following noun): Stop rushing about.
after the verb ‘to be’: Is your father about?
followed by an infinitive with ‘to’: I was just about to explain.
About or around? In meanings 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9, around is often used instead of about. Where a meaning of about is labelled British, around is the usual American word.
used for stating who or what you are discussing, considering, describing, forgetting etc
used for stating who or what you are discussing, considering, describing, forgetting etc
There's nothing to get excited about.
Anthea must be about the same age as you.
used for saying that things are in many different parts or areas, especially because they have been left there carelessly
used for saying that things are in many different parts or areas, especially because they have been left there carelessly
You shouldn't have been spraying weedkiller while there were children about.
There was something about her that made him uneasy.
Related Words
Words related to about: