I was asked about

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "I was asked about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to express that someone else has asked you a question or requested information from you. For example, "My boss asked me about my plans for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"All I was asked about is how I felt on the red carpet," he says.

The Guardian - Film

I was asked about this recently….

The New Yorker

"I was asked about the situation.

The New York Times - Sports

But understandably, I was asked about it".

The Guardian

I was asked about him, and I said I knew his people.

The New Yorker

Speaking on Sky news, Stirrup said: "I was asked about my contacts.

The Guardian

"I was asked about him," the official explained later, "and I said I knew his people".

The New Yorker

I was asked about whether I know ministers – and I do.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Four bottles of the ale I was asking about went out this morning.

The New Yorker

" The No. 1 question I'm asked about is the economy.

The New York Times

"I was asking about Hannity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting what you were asked, be specific. For example, instead of "I was asked about the project", say "I was asked about the project timeline and budget".

Common error

Don't use "I was asked about" vaguely. Provide enough context to understand the topic of the inquiry. Simply stating "I was asked about it" without further clarification leaves the reader uninformed and potentially confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was asked about" functions as a reporting clause, introducing the topic of an inquiry or question directed towards the speaker. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in conveying the subject matter of these inquiries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was asked about" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the topic of questions directed at the speaker. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, being specific about the subject of the question enhances clarity. Consider using alternatives such as "I was questioned regarding" in more formal settings. Overall, this phrase is a clear and effective way to indicate that you were the recipient of an inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was questioned regarding

This alternative is a more formal synonym, suggesting a structured interrogation.

I received inquiries regarding

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the receipt of multiple inquiries.

I was interviewed regarding

This alternative suggests a formal interview setting.

I faced questions concerning

This alternative suggests a more direct and potentially challenging line of questioning.

I had queries relating to

This alternative focuses on the nature of the questions being 'queries' and their relation to a specific topic.

I was probed about

This alternative suggests an in-depth and possibly intrusive line of questioning.

I fielded questions on the subject of

This alternative implies actively managing and responding to questions.

I was canvassed on the topic of

This alternative is more formal and suggests broader, less pointed questions on a topic.

People inquired of me concerning

This alternative is a more formal and slightly archaic way of saying that people asked you about something.

The matter was raised with me

This alternative emphasizes that the topic was brought up, without specifying a question.

FAQs

What does "I was asked about" mean?

The phrase "I was asked about" indicates that someone inquired or questioned you regarding a particular topic. It signifies that you were the recipient of a question or series of questions concerning something.

How can I rephrase "I was asked about" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could say "I was questioned regarding" or "I received inquiries regarding". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

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

No, "I was asking about" means you were the one posing the question, while "I was asked about" means someone else questioned you. They have opposite meanings.

What's the difference between "I was asked about" and "I was inquired about"?

While similar, "I was inquired about" is less common and can sound slightly archaic. "I was asked about" is more direct and widely used in contemporary English.