And I'm Neil.

In this programme, we're talking about 'about'!

About 'about'?

About 'about'!

This is getting silly! We are indeed talking about the word 'about' - but not as it's usually used.

Indeed. Let's demonstrate.

Is Mark about today?

Yes, I saw him this morning.

So, when I asked: 'Is Mark about today?' I wasn't asking if Mark was somehow related to the concept of 'today.' I just meant, 'Is Mark here?'

'About' means 'here', or 'somewhere near here'.

Mark's about. Mark's near here.

By the way, who's Mark?

No idea. But I know he's near here!

Well, that's reassuring. Time for some more examples about 'about'.

Hi, is Sue about? Just need to give her some files.

Will you be about this evening? I want to ask a big favour.

There's no one about. It's a bit scary.

Don't talk like that. There are children about.

There we are. 'About' meaning in or close to an area.

You know, there's another word that behaves like this.

You're talking about - 'around'!

Indeed. We could say: 'Is Mark around?'

And we know the answer to that: you saw him this morning.

Except - I didn't really see him. Because Mark doesn't exist...

Hi. I'm Mark.

Ah, Mark!

We were just talking about you!

We were just talking about 'about'.

And 'around'.

Goodbye. - Bye.