English Profile

about · preposition

/əˈbɑʊt/Full view

about

A1 relating to a particular subject or person

Dictionary examples:

What's she talking about?

I've got a book about Jung.

Learner example:

I like my IT course becaus[e] I want to learn about computers. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

How/What about? (SUGGESTION)

A2 used when suggesting or offering something to someone

Dictionary examples:

How about a trip to the zoo this afternoon?

"Coffee, Sarah?" "No, thanks." "What about you, Kate?"

How about cycling there?

Learner example:

What about going on Saturday? (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

How/What about? (OPINION)

B1 used to ask for someone's opinion on a particular subject

Dictionary examples:

What about Ava - is she nice?

So the town was nice - how about the food?

Learner example:

I also enjoy shopping for shoes, what about you? (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

about · adverb

/əˈbɑʊt/

about

A1 a little more or less than the stated number or amount

Dictionary examples:

It happened about two months ago.

"What time are you leaving work today?" "About five."

Learner example:

It's not far [from] my home, about 20 minut[es'] walk, [or] 5 minut[es] by bus. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Thai)

about · adjective

/əˈbɑʊt/

be about to do sth

B2 to be going to do something very soon

Dictionary example:

I was about to leave when Mark arrived.

Learner example:

I'm in a hurry, my class is about to begin. (First Certificate in English; B2; Serbian)