Representing when, where, how and why
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Representing when | page 6 of 11 |
Using prepositional phrases: at about and at around
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Some people think that since at refers to a specific point in time and about/around refers to non-specific time, the two prepositions cannot be used together. This is actually not true, as the following examples demonstrate:
The accident occurred at about 1 pm. (SCMP 29/7/92)
Marcos arrived on a Cathay Pacific flight at around 4 pm. (SCMP 29/7/92)
It is also possible to say about 4 pm, etc, without using at or around:
Police said the crash occurred on Keong Rd about 11pm. (Bank of English)
Introduction
Using prepositional phrases: at about and at around
