Common Mistakes : About

About – Adjective

BAD: I was about leaving when the telephone rang

GOOD: I was about to leave when the telephone rang

 ( be about to do sth. (NOT doing

Compare: I was just leaving when the telephone rang

About – Preposition

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BAD: I am always delighted when I receive a letter from you. About the party on December 26th, I shall be very pleased to attend

GOOD: I am always delighted when I receive a letter from you. With regard to the party on December 26th, I shall be very pleased to attend

BAD: People usually sleep with the doors and windows closed. About public transport, the bus and train services are excellent

GOOD: People usually sleep with the doors and windows closed. As for public transport, the bus and train services are excellent

About may be used to introduce a topic (or change of topic), but only in informal styles: About that book you asked for – I’ll get you a copy when I go to London

In other styles, use with regard to, regarding, as for, as regards or as far as … is concerned : ‘With regard to the matter of unemployment, I would like to add a few remarks to those of the previous speaker.’ I regret to inform you that Language and Culture is out of print. As regards your second question, I suggest that you write to the British Museum

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BAD: It all depends on how different the new country is from your own. About myself, I haven’t experienced any culture shock but then this is my second trip to the States

GOOD: It all depends on how different the new country is from your own. In my own case, I haven’t experienced any culture shock but then this is my second trip to the States

To show that you are going to start talking about your own personal experience or situation, use in my own case or (especially in informal styles) as for me/myself : ‘Many people have benefited from the operation. In my own case, I began to feel better immediately.’ Most of my friends like school. As for me, I can’t wait to leave