about your parents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about your parents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics related to someone's family background or experiences involving their parents. Example: "I would love to hear more about your parents and their journey to this country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What about your parents?

The New York Times

"Tell me about your parents".

The New Yorker

What about your parents' influence?

The New York Times

What about your parents' reaction?

The New York Times

And what about your parents?

The New York Times

What about your parents and other relatives?

The New York Times

Tell me more about your parents.

The New York Times

Do you like to hear about your parents' pasts?

The New York Times

Tell me more about your parents' Hawaiian-themed Chinese restaurant.

The New York Times

What do you admire most about your parents?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What about your parents' influence? A. My father was larger than life to me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking "about your parents", be mindful of the context and relationship with the person you're addressing. Some individuals may have sensitive or complex family situations.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone has positive relationships with their parents. Frame questions in a way that allows for a neutral or even negative response without causing discomfort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about your parents" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a topic related to someone's parental figures. It's often used as a starting point for inquiries or discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about your parents" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a discussion or inquiry related to someone's parental figures and their upbringing. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for various contexts, though it's important to be mindful of potential sensitivities. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, as well as wiki articles, indicating its broad applicability and recognition. Consider the context and your relationship with the person before using the phrase, and always be respectful of their experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning your mother and father

Direct and emphasizes both parents specifically.

regarding your parental figures

Formal and emphasizes the role of parents as influential figures.

tell me more about mum and dad

Informal, familiar and specifically refers to "mum and dad".

with respect to your guardians

Formal and applicable when the individuals may not be biological parents.

what can you tell me of your parentage

Formal and focuses on the origin and identity established by parents.

in relation to your folks

Informal and uses a colloquial term for parents.

talking about your upbringing

Focuses on the overall environment created by the parents.

how did your progenitors influence you

Formal and refers to ancestors or direct parents who influenced the person.

discussing your family background

Broad and encompasses more than just the parents.

what is your family history

Broader; inquires about the entire family rather than just the parents.

FAQs

How can I ask "about your parents" respectfully?

You can frame the question gently by saying something like, "Would you be willing to share anything about your parents?" or "What was it like growing up in your family?". This allows the person to share at their comfort level.

What's a more formal way to ask "about your parents"?

In a formal setting, you might ask, "Could you provide some background on your upbringing?" or "Could you elaborate on the influence of your parents on your career choices?". These phrases are less direct and more appropriate for professional settings.

What can I say instead of "about your parents" to focus on the person's upbringing?

You can use alternatives like "regarding your childhood", "concerning your early life", or "related to your formative years" to shift the emphasis from parents to the individual's experiences.

Is it always appropriate to ask "about your parents"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Consider your relationship with the person and the context of the conversation. If you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid asking about their parents until you know them better or the topic naturally arises.