Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Harmony]

I've reposted Carol's new question here so it will appear in a new thread.
Harmony

Carol wrote:

Can i ask one more question?
When i was reading a passage the other day, I suddenly realized that since"on" and "about" can both mean with regard to can they be used interactively all the time?
For instance, a book on a rabit, a book about a rabit
I've noticed that some dictionary says that on, compared with about, is used in a more formal and scientific way. )

Thanx

[welkins2139]

For instance, a book on a rabit, a book about a rabit

both are fine. both indicate a " topic " I prefer " on " here.

we used "about "to talk ordinary, more general kinds of communication. "on " suggests that a book, lecture, talk etc is serious or academic, suitbale for speicalist.