"about" vs "around"

Question

"about" vs "around"

The phrases 'about' and 'around' are both prepositions, but they are used in different contexts. 'About' is used to indicate a specific topic or subject, while 'around' is used to indicate approximate time, place, or quantity.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Use 'about' when you want to refer to a particular topic, subject, or point of discussion. It is often used to introduce the subject of a conversation or to provide information on a specific matter.

Examples:

Let's talk about your future plans.
I read a book about space exploration.
She is knowledgeable about history.
What do you know about the new project?
We need to think about the consequences.

Alternatives:

regarding
concerning
pertaining to
on the subject of
with regard to

Use 'around' when you want to convey an approximate time, place, or quantity. It is often used to give a general idea rather than a precise detail.

Examples:

I'll be there around 3 o'clock.
There are around 50 people attending the event.
The shop is around the corner.
He earns around $50,000 a year.
The meeting will start around noon.

Alternatives:

approximately
about
near
close to
roughly

Answer 1

about

The preposition 'about' is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a specific topic or subject.

Answer 2

around

The preposition 'around' is correct and commonly used in English to indicate approximate time, place, or quantity.

"about" vs "around"

about

around

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