I was about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone was on the verge of doing something or that an action was imminent. Example: "I was about to leave the house when I realized I forgot my keys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was about 18.

The New York Times - Arts

I was about 6 then.

The New York Times

Yet I knew what I was about".

The New York Times

I stopped when I was about 30.

The New York Times

I was about to give up.

The New York Times - Sports

I think I was about six.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was about to cry".

The New York Times

When I was about six.

The Guardian - Music

"That's how confident I was about pitching".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was about ready to dash".

The New York Times - Travel

I started when I was about 13.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When estimating ages or quantities, follow "I was about" with an approximate number or range. This provides a softer, less precise figure which can be useful in descriptions where exactness isn't necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "I was about" when the action was completed. This phrase suggests the action was interrupted or did not fully occur. If the action was completed, use a simple past tense verb instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was about" serves as an auxiliary phrase indicating an impending action or a state of near completion. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples range from expressing imminent actions, such as "I was about to give up", to estimating age, like "I was about 18."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was about" is a versatile construction primarily used to indicate an impending action or to provide an estimation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase effectively conveys imminence or approximation. When writing, it's essential to use "I was about" to suggest an action was nearly completed or on the verge of happening and to avoid using it when the action was fully executed. Understanding these nuances ensures clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was just about to

Adds emphasis to the immediacy of the intended action.

I was going to

Indicates a planned action that was interrupted or about to occur.

I was close to

Highlights proximity to a specific action or state.

I was ready to

Indicates a state of preparedness and intention.

I nearly

Emphasizes the closeness to performing an action or experiencing a state.

I intended to

Focuses on the initial plan or intention to do something.

I was on the point of

Suggests a precise moment just before an action.

I estimated

Used to indicate an approximation of age, time, or quantity.

I figured

Implies an assessment or calculation of a certain value or age.

I approximated

Used to indicate an estimation of value or number.

FAQs

How can I use "I was about" in a sentence?

Use "I was about" to indicate an action that was on the verge of happening, such as "I was about to leave when the phone rang" or to provide an estimate, such as "I was about 20 years old when I first visited Paris".

What can I say instead of "I was about"?

You can use alternatives like "I was going to", "I nearly", or "I was just about to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was about to" instead of "I was about"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different usages. "I was about to" typically refers to an action that was just about to happen, while "I was about" can also be used for approximations, like age or quantity.

When should I use "I was about" versus "I was around"?

"I was about" indicates an action about to happen or an approximation, while "I was around" implies presence in a particular place or time period. For example, "I was about to call you" versus "I was around in the 90s".