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It seems to me that we used to say we were "excited ABOUT" doing something, going somewhere, etc. Now I constantly hear that someone is "excited TO" go, do, etc. Even the news commentators use this phrase. Is this just news to me? Does this offend your grammarian ears, or are mine overly sensitive?
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My take is that, at least in common usage, about and to are used fairly interchangeably.
However, certain constructs do grate on my ears.
I would say "I'm excited about (most any future-tense verb phrase)." For example, "I'm excited about traveling to Arizona." That sounds fine.
But I would also say "I'm excited to meet you." I would not say "I'm excited about meeting you." That just sounds clunky.
Not really sure why "to" works in that second example. Might have something to with the tense of the verb, present vs. future.
I see the distinction between an activity I am currently involved in, as opposed to one I anticipate. I would be more likely to use to for an activity at hand. I would be more likely to use about for a prospective activity.
I am excited to be at this game.
I am excited about going to the game next week.
I am excited to be traveling to Rome.
I am excited about traveling to Rome this fall.
I am excited to address this conference.
I am excited about addressing this conference next year.
This is a small modification of what has been said. I see it not specifically as present or future but as something that I am involved in and something I am not involved in. That would apply directly to present and future but it would also apply to my own involvement and someone else's involvement. "I am excited about your addressing this conference."
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Grant Barrett
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