About: Definition and Synonyms
About – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “about” functions primarily as a preposition but can also be used as an adverb or part of an adjective in certain contexts. As a preposition, it often indicates subject matter (e.g., a book about history), location in relation to movement (walk around the house), time (usually in phrases like “about noon”), and approximation (costs about $20). In its adverbial form, it can mean “approximately” or refer to a change of direction (turn about). As part of an adjective phrase, such as “concerned,” it indicates involvement or relation (e.g., a concerned citizen).
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| concerning | Related to or involving a specific topic | The report is concerning environmental issues. | Formal |
| relating | Pertaining directly to something in discussion | This chapter relates to previous findings. | Academic |
| regarding | In reference to a particular matter or subject | Her opinion was requested regarding the proposal. | Business, Formal |
| touching | Affecting or dealing with a specific topic | The lecture touched on many historical events. | Literary/Creative |
| dealing in | Engaging in or having as one’s main activity | He’s dealing in antique furniture. | Informal |
Usage Notes
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Concerning: Best used when you want to indicate the subject matter of a discussion or document, particularly in formal writing such as reports or academic papers.
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Example: “There are several concerns concerning patient safety.”
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Relating: Suitable for academic contexts where the emphasis is on drawing connections between concepts. It implies a direct relationship without necessarily addressing the broader context.
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Example: “The theory relating to cognitive dissonance was discussed at length.”
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Regarding: Often used in business and formal correspondence, it introduces topics or subjects clearly, making it appropriate for emails or letters where clarity is crucial.
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Example: “Thank you for your email regarding the upcoming meeting.”
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Touching: Has a more literary flair and suggests addressing a topic superficially or as part of a broader discussion. It’s often used in creative writing to convey a sense of subtlety.
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Example: “The poet’s verses touched on themes of loss and hope.”
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Dealing In: Informal in nature, this synonym is ideal when describing someone’s profession or regular business activities rather than the content of a discussion or document.
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Example: “They’re dealing in rare books.”
Common Pitfalls
A common confusion with “about” arises from its dual role as both a preposition and adverb. For instance, using “concerning” instead of “about” may sound overly formal in casual speech (“He was talking about the weather,” not “talking concerning the weather”). Additionally, mixing up “regarding” and “concerning” might happen since they are often interchangeable; however, “regarding” is more neutral, while “concerning” can imply worry or importance.
Final Recap
The primary synonyms for “about” include “concerning,” “relating,” “regarding,” “touching,” and “dealing in.” Each brings a unique nuance:
- Concerning: Indicates a topic with possible implications of concern.
- Relating: Pertains to establishing connections, often used in academic contexts.
- Regarding: Neutral; suitable for formal communication.
- Touching: Literary; suggests subtle or partial engagement with a topic.
- Dealing In: Informal; refers to regular activities or professions.
Encourage readers to practice these synonyms by creating sentences in various contexts or experimenting during conversations. This will enhance their ability to choose the most appropriate synonym for their needs, enriching both spoken and written communication skills.