I was hoping to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was hoping to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a polite intention to make a request or inquiry. Example: "I was hoping to ask if you could help me with my project this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And Mr. Greenspan, now that you've seen the kinds of questions I was hoping to ask, I hope that you'll change your mind and stop hiding from me.

The New York Times

(6) A pity, since I was hoping to ask him about his claim that Putin is "one of the greatest world leaders" or his defence of Putin's actions in Ukraine or his protection of him in the face of overenthusiastic schoolchildren.

The Guardian - Film

The nomination was one of many career milestones I was hoping to ask the British-born, California-raised singer about.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I flipped an email to some Conservative staffers: Hey, I'm hoping to ask a question.

Vice

Dr. Calamia, a dentistry professor at New York University, said he was hoping to ask Mr. Erskine some questions.

The New York Times

We were hoping to ask the colonel how it is that he led his country for four decades, yet could never get himself promoted to general.

The New York Times

"We've got to earn the right to play and early on we were hoping to ask questions and get in good areas.

BBC

We were hoping to ask him for his take-away advice for other entrepreneurs, particularly from India, visiting the valley – but circumstances (Mike) got in the way.

TechCrunch

Others were hoping to ask for asylum at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Los Angeles Times

VICE asked Leitch repeatedly to give details about what questions she is hoping to ask would-be Canadian citizens, but she refused to provide any.

Vice

Maybe I was hoping to shake us both awake, to ask what's become of us?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was hoping to ask" to politely introduce a question or request, especially when you're unsure if the other person is available or willing to answer.

Common error

Avoid using "I was hoping to ask" excessively in a single conversation or document. Vary your phrasing to maintain a natural and engaging tone. Consider alternatives like "I wanted to ask" or "I meant to ask" to avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was hoping to ask" functions as a polite introductory phrase used to preface a question or request. Ludwig AI examples show that it's used to soften the approach, indicating a degree of deference or uncertainty about the receiver's willingness or availability to answer.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was hoping to ask" is a common and grammatically correct way to politely introduce a question or request. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's particularly useful when you want to show consideration for the other person's time or willingness to respond. While versatile, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "I meant to ask" or "I wanted to inquire" to maintain variety. The phrase is suitable for a range of contexts, from news articles to professional communications, maintaining a neutral to slightly formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was going to ask

Indicates a prior plan to ask something.

I was about to ask

Suggests that the speaker was on the verge of asking the question.

I was planning on asking

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the planning stage.

I meant to ask

Implies a prior intention to ask something.

I had been meaning to ask

Emphasizes the duration of the intention to ask.

I had intended to inquire

More formal and emphasizes the intention behind the question.

I wished to inquire

More formal and polite way to express the desire to ask.

I wanted to pose a question

Highlights the act of asking a question, slightly more direct.

I had been looking forward to asking

Emphasizes anticipation and eagerness to ask the question.

I had planned to request

Focuses on the desired action of making a request.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I was hoping to ask" to sound more direct?

For a more direct approach, consider using phrases like "Could you tell me...?", "I'd like to know...", or simply stating your question. However, remember to maintain politeness, especially in professional settings.

What's a more formal alternative to "I was hoping to ask"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases such as "I wished to inquire", "I had intended to ask", or "I would be grateful if you could provide information on...".

Is it correct to say "I am hoping to ask" instead of "I was hoping to ask"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "I was hoping to ask" implies a past intention or a more tentative approach. "I am hoping to ask" suggests a current or ongoing hope.

When is it appropriate to use "I was hoping to ask"?

"I was hoping to ask" is suitable when you want to politely introduce a question or request, especially when you're unsure if the other person is available or willing to answer. It conveys a sense of politeness and consideration for the other person's time and availability.