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BUZZSPROUT EPISODES

Saturday, July 25, 2015

The prepositions above and about

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The prepositions above and about

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.