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You are here: Home / Learning / The prepositions above and about

The prepositions above and about

July 24, 2015 - pdf

The word about can be used an adverb or a preposition. When about is used as a preposition, it will be followed by a noun.

About can mean in various directions or places.

  • Clothes were lying about the room.
  • The children were running about the garden.

About can also mean ‘near’ or ‘near by’.

  • Is anybody about?

The expression ‘How about?’ is used to ask someone what their opinion is. Note that after ‘how about’ we use a noun or an –ing form.

  • How about getting something to eat?
  • He is a rich guy but how about his character?

About can mean ‘roughly’.

  • It is about 3 o’clock.
  • There were about 50 students in the class.

Above

The word above can be used as a preposition or an adverb. ‘Above’ means ‘higher than’, ‘greater than’ or ‘more than’.

  • She is above average in intelligence.
  • The water rose above my knees.

If you think you are above something, you are too proud to do it.

  • He thinks he is above mingling with us. (= He is too proud to mingle with us.)
  • Nobody is above law.

If something is above you, it is too difficult for you.

  • Einstein’s theories have always been above me. (= I have always had difficulty understanding Einstein’s theories.)

Above-board

If a business deal is above board, it is thoroughly honest.

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