Correct classification of "about" and "around"

[Curt Jugg]

In the Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (page 431) the word about (occurring before numerals and meaning "approximately") is classified as an adverb. On page 433 the word around occurring before numerals is classified as a preposition. Clearly, around and about are fulfilling the same function in these cases and have a similar meaning; can anyone please explain to me why about is treated as an adverb but around is not?

 

[5jj]

I cannot explain it; it seems very strange. I agree with you that around and about are fulfilling the same function in these cases and have a similar meaning; they are both adverbs, in my opinion.

 

[Curt Jugg]

Many thanks for your very speedy reply, fivejedjon. I have read several of your posts on this forum, and the fact that you cannot explain it is very encouraging, since it shows that I have not totally misunderstood the problem!