about to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that you are on the verge of posing a question or making an inquiry. Example: "I was about to ask if you could help me with this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I guessed, somehow, what he was about to ask me.

The New Yorker

No one was about to ask him about them, either.

The New York Times

And I was just about to ask what it was.

The New York Times

I was about to ask if it's autobiographical.

The Guardian

I'm about to ask for your hand in marriage".

The New Yorker

She turned to me then, as if she were about to ask a question.

The New Yorker

I think he's done with this, but as I'm about to ask another question, he interrupts.

The Guardian - Tech

ALEX KOPPELMAN: Was just about to ask that same question, David.

The New Yorker

I'm about to ask him if he gets paid for judging chili contests.

The New York Times - Travel

He was about to ask her the prearranged question—"Nice day.

The New Yorker

And, because you were about to ask, yes, the real Col.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "about to ask" is suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "about to ask" if the act of asking did not almost immediately follow. Using it when the intention was interrupted or did not materialize can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to ask" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, indicating an action that is on the cusp of occurring. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it used to describe an action that was nearly initiated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about to ask" is a versatile and commonly used construction indicating an imminent question or request. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. While primarily found in News & Media sources, its usage extends to Science and Business, signifying its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the intended immediacy and consider alternatives like "on the verge of asking" or "just about to ask" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the point of asking

Emphasizes the immediacy and nearness to the act of asking.

on the verge of asking

Highlights the threshold or boundary before the action of asking.

just about to ask

Indicates the action was very close to occurring.

on the brink of asking

Conveys a sense of dramatic anticipation, similar to "on the verge".

was going to ask

Focuses on the intention that existed before a specific moment.

contemplating asking

Suggests a period of thought and consideration before asking.

preparing to ask

Emphasizes the preparation and readiness for asking.

thinking of asking

Indicates a less firm intention compared to "about to ask".

intending to ask

Highlights the planned action of asking.

almost asking

Indicates that the action of asking nearly happened, but didn't.

FAQs

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

You can use "about to ask" to indicate that someone was on the verge of asking a question or making a request, as in, "I was about to ask for directions when I saw the sign."

What is a good alternative to "about to ask"?

Alternatives include phrases like "on the verge of asking", "just about to ask", or "was going to ask", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "about to ask" formal or informal?

"About to ask" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language will often dictate the overall tone.

What does "about to ask" imply?

The phrase "about to ask" implies that the action of asking was imminent but may not have actually occurred. It suggests a high degree of readiness or intention to ask a question or make a request.