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When to use the prepositions ABOUT or ON

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Latest post Thu, Oct 15 2009 6:11 PM by CalifJim. 3 replies.
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Brunces  +  943253 Thu, 15 Oct 09 04:11 PM
Friends,

 

How do I know whether I have to use the preposition ABOUT or ON?

 

Examples:

- There are no instructions on how to do this.

- Where is my story on James Stweart?

 

In the sentences above, why can't we use ABOUT instead of ON? What is the difference between these two prepositions? What are the rules?

 

Thansk very much for your attention, guys.

 

brunces
Brunces
Joined on Tue, Nov 22 2005
New Member 14
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dokterjokkebrok  +  943322 Thu, 15 Oct 09 05:41 PM

As a rule you can use this:

ABOUT = when talking about something that is ordinary and general

e.g.   I was having a conversation about money?

e.g.   The little children are reading a book about Peter Pan. (not on because that would suggest that they are reading a study of, for example, the use of symbolism and abstracts matters that occur in the Peter Pan tale. 

ON = when talking about something that is more serious ( book/talk); it suggests that the content is for people who wish to gain more knowledge 'on' something. It gives deeper, specialist information.

  • - This will be a study on the effects of marihuana on motor functions in adolescents aged 19.
  • - A lecture on economics
  • - a textbook on African history.


Kind regards


 


 
dokterjokkebrok
Joined on Sun, Jun 21 2009
The Netherlands
Full Member 233
"Experience is the name we all give to our mistakes." Oscar Wilde
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Related discussions
RayH  +  943332 Thu, 15 Oct 09 05:52 PM
Brunces
“

In the sentences above, why can't we use ABOUT instead of ON?

”

Not to take anything away from the above answer but the unfortunate truth is that there is often no particular reason other than "that's just the way we say it" for choosing among prepositions. Your question provides a perfect example. I don't see any compelling reason to use either "on" or "about" in your examples, each fits equally well to my ear.
RayH
Joined on Sat, Mar 22 2008
Contributing Member 1,555
Native speaker of U. S. English. Not a grammar expert.
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CalifJim  +  943355 Thu, 15 Oct 09 06:11 PM
Brunces
“

How do I know whether I have to use the preposition ABOUT or ON?


Examples:

- There are no instructions on how to do this.

- Where is my story on James Stweart?

”

Often, either one will do, but generally speaking, the choice is swayed one way or the other by the preceding word.


I would say instructions on and story about.


In my own mind -- and I can't speak for others -- on connotes a transfer of knowledge in some way, as well as indicating the subject matter; about indicates only subject matter.


Hence, (scholarly) article, (scholarly) paper, lesson, lecture, speech, instructions, dissertation, biography, ... on.

But (news) article, (news) item, story, chat, conversation, argument, disagreement, ... about.


CJ
CalifJim
Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004
California
Veteran Member 22,458
"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche
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