preposition
on the subject of someone or something
We talked about the new job.
She read a book about birds.
Common phrases & grammar
talk about · think about · information about
a book about [topic]
talk about [topic]
American English
How to pronounce about
preposition · adverbA1Very common word
uhBOWT
/əˈbaʊt̚/
2 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
on the subject of someone or something
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
adverb
used before a number, amount, or time when it is not exact
About twenty people came.
The meeting starts at about noon.
Good to know
Before a number or time, about means approximately. It does not mean “concerning” in this use.
Common phrases & grammar
about 10 minutes · about $50
about [number] [plural noun]
about [time]
adverb
used in be about to + verb when something will happen very soon
The train is about to leave.
I was about to call you.
Good to know
After about to, use the simple verb form.
Common phrases & grammar
[subject] be about to [verb]
prepositionless common
near and around a particular place
We walked about the old town.
He looked about the room.
Common phrases & grammar
walk about [place]
look about [place]
Useful expressions
be going to do something very soon
The movie is about to start.
used to ask about another person or thing
What about Maria?
used to make a suggestion or ask for an opinion
How about pizza tonight?