about to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is on the verge of providing a response or reply to a question or inquiry. Example: "I was just about to answer your question when the phone rang."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

And I wasn't about to answer her because the baby was dead and she was dead, too.

The New Yorker

But there was Ms. Hobson at a hearing on Wednesday, on the witness stand, about to answer questions from the judge and a defense lawyer representing Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who was convicted of conspiring to sell weapons to men who presented themselves as Colombian terrorists intent on killing Americans.

The New York Times

I'm about to answer a question that sooo many dudes have on their minds and I'm curious to know if you have this question too.

Huffington Post

"I was about to answer".

The New York Times

He was about to answer.

The New York Times - Arts

Shes about to answer when a waiter approaches.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

They're just so disgusted about having to answer so many questions about something so simple".

The Guardian - Music

Finally, a five-factor model incorporated items about satisfaction to answer a different question about the correlation between factors.

CBE Life Sciences Education

It took about 12 minutes to answer them.

BMC Public Health

I thought about how to answer him.

The New York Times - Health

Americans seem uncertain about how to answer that question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to answer" to create a sense of anticipation or immediacy, indicating that a response is imminent. For example, "The witness was "about to answer" the crucial question when the lawyer objected."

Common error

Avoid using "about to answer" in past perfect constructions when a simple past tense is sufficient. Instead of "He had been "about to answer" when the interruption occurred", use "He was "about to answer" when the interruption occurred".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to answer" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action that is imminent or on the verge of happening. As Ludwig's examples show, it describes a state of readiness to provide a response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

26%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about to answer" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that someone is on the cusp of providing a response. As Ludwig AI confirms, its register is neutral, making it suitable for diverse contexts such as news, academic discussions, and everyday conversations. While alternatives like "on the verge of answering" or "just about to respond" exist, "about to answer" maintains a balance of clarity and immediacy. When using this phrase, ensure correct tense usage and consider the level of anticipation you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of answering

Emphasizes the closeness to the act of answering; slightly more formal.

just about to respond

Highlights the immediate timing of the response.

on the point of replying

Similar to 'on the verge', but specifically indicates a reply.

ready to answer

Focuses on the preparedness to provide an answer.

going to answer

A more casual and direct way of expressing the intention to answer.

intending to answer

Highlights the intention or plan to answer.

preparing to respond

Emphasizes the process of getting ready to answer.

on the brink of answering

Stresses the nearness to answering, often implying anticipation.

all set to answer

Indicates complete readiness and willingness to answer.

in the act of answering

Captures the moment just before the answer is given.

FAQs

How can I use "about to answer" in a sentence?

Use "about to answer" to indicate someone is on the verge of providing a response. For instance, "She was "about to answer" the question when the bell rang."

What's a good alternative to "about to answer"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of answering", "just about to respond", or "ready to answer depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "about to be answering"?

While grammatically possible, "about to be answering" is less common and can sound awkward. "About to answer" is generally preferred for its conciseness and clarity.

What is the difference between "about to answer" and "going to answer"?

"About to answer" implies a more immediate action, suggesting the answer is on the very tip of the tongue. "Going to answer" is a more general statement of future intent.