about

about, concerning, regarding, respecting are synonymous prepositions when they take an object that names something which is the subject of talk, thought, or interest.

About is usually interchangeable with any of the others without marked loss of meaning, but it alone may follow its object as well as precede it

{

talk about many things

}

{

there is nothing to complain about

}

Concerning is more meaningful because it often retains its verbal implications of affecting and influencing

{

make laws concerning public welfare

}

Regarding and respecting suggest little more than about: however regarding is especially appropriate when its object names the goal or center of attention or thought

{

they avoided all discussion regarding the scandal

}

Respecting is felicitously employed when selectiveness or specification is to be implied

{

he had nothing to say respecting Spain

}

{

there’s no outwitting you respecting him— Browning

}