Using expressions with about can be challenging because this word serves multiple grammatical functions—it can act as a preposition, adverb, and even appear in various sentence structures. About is also commonly used in suggestions, making its meaning vary depending on the context. In this article, IDP will guide you through the different ways to use about to help you speak and write more naturally in IELTS.
1. What Does "About" Mean?
About is a frequently used preposition in both spoken and written English. It helps make your sentences clearer and more cohesive. In English, about often means regarding, concerning, or related to. It helps convey the main topic that someone is discussing or referring to. Example: When you say “talk about,” it means you are discussing or referring to a particular subject.
2. Common Structures with "About" and How to Use Them
Here are some of the most useful about structures to help you express ideas more naturally and effectively in English.
When About Is a Preposition
As a preposition, about shows relation to a topic or subject. It usually means “regarding” or “concerning.”
Example:
The professor lectured about the detrimental effects of climate change on biodiversity.
Note: Some verbs do not go with about, such as discuss, consider, mention, aware, etc.
Incorrect: We are discussing about the trip.
Correct: We are discussing the trip.
When About Is an Adverb
About can also function as an adverb to refer to approximate time, quantity, or number.
Example:
The meeting will start at about 10:15 a.m. after the keynote speaker arrives.
Structure: Be about to
This phrase expresses an action that is going to happen very soon.
Structure:
S + be + about + to + V-infinitive
Example:
We were about to start the negotiation process when the unexpected news arrived.
Structure: How about / What about
These expressions are used to make suggestions or proposals.
Structure:
How about / What about + V-ing / noun
Example: How about exploring alternative strategies to boost employee productivity?
3. Be About To vs Be Going To: Key Differences
Both structures refer to future actions, but they differ slightly in timing and intention.
Feature | Be About To | Be Going To |
Structure | S + be + about + to + V-inf | S + be + going to + V-inf |
Usage | Used for actions expected to happen very soon | Used for planned actions or intentions |
Example | She is about to visit her grandfather's house. | He is going to travel to Thailand next week. |
4. Common Adjective Phrases with About
About forms useful combinations with adjectives to express emotions, opinions, and attitudes. Here are some of the most frequent:
Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Angry about | upset regarding something | He was angry about the noise. |
Anxious about | worried about something | Students are anxious about exams. |
Concerned about | worried or caring about something | She is concerned about pollution. |
Curious about | interested in something | He is curious about ancient history. |
Crazy about | extremely fond of something | She is crazy about modern art. |
Doubtful about | unsure about something | They are doubtful about the results. |
Enthusiastic about | excited or eager about something | He is enthusiastic about volunteering. |
Excited about | looking forward to something | She is excited about her trip. |
Happy about | feeling joy about something | They are happy about the outcome. |
Honest about | truthful regarding something | Be honest about your goals. |
Nervous about | feeling anxious about something | She is nervous about the interview. |
Reluctant about | unwilling or hesitant about something | He is reluctant about taking the job. |
Sorry about | regretful about something | I am sorry about the mistake. |
Uneasy about | uncomfortable or uncertain about something | She feels uneasy about the news. |
Sad about | feeling sorrow regarding something | He is sad about the loss. |
Worried about | concerned or anxious about something | Parents are often worried about their kids. |
5. Practice Exercises on About
Exercise 1: Fill in the blank with the correct adjective phrase using about
Many parents are ______ their children's online activities.
After hearing about the downsizing, she felt ______ her job security.
The students were ______ the new tech advancements.
He is ______ the upcoming exam.
She was ______ how her coworkers treated her.
I am ______ the environmental impact of plastic.
They were ______ how quickly the tickets sold out.
She felt ______ the decision to move abroad.
He is ______ the community project.
The teacher was ______ the students' readiness.
Answers:
concerned about
anxious about
curious about
nervous about
doubtful about
worried about
excited about
happy about
enthusiastic about
reluctant about
Exercise 2: Identify and correct the errors
She is doubtful about that the project will be completed on time.
Are you worried about to miss the deadline?
He is concerned about his presentation.
What do you feel about to travel abroad?
They were enthusiastic about going to the concert.
Corrected Sentences:
She is doubtful that the project will be completed on time.
Are you worried about missing the deadline?
(Correct)
What do you feel about traveling abroad?
(Correct)
Master About Structures to Boost Your IELTS Performance with IDP
Understanding how to use different about structures allows you to speak and write more fluently and naturally. This knowledge will help you gain higher scores in the IELTS exam. We hope this guide from IDP helps you use "about" correctly and avoid common grammar mistakes.
If you are preparing for your IELTS exam at IDP, you can choose the computer-based test and explore our flexible test schedules available weekly.
Register for your IELTS test with IDP today and enjoy exclusive benefits for IELTS test takers!