by asking about

USAGE SUMMARY

"by asking about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a question or a topic of conversation. For example: I found out more about my coworker's lifestyle by asking about her hobbies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I would start by asking about the mustache.

The New York Times - Books

Gary from D.C. followed by asking about the construction method.

The New York Times

Shariatmadari began by asking about my trip down to Qum.

The New Yorker

I start by asking about this propulsion of suffering.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Henao, originally from Colombia, began meetings by asking about the investors' children, by name.

The New York Times

Jarvis kicks off by asking about "openness", and what Hoffman understands by that.

The Guardian

That's why I started off by asking about her. "Well, I hope so.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"About a dozen people came by asking about it today," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

3.50pm BST Keith Vaz starts by asking about the IPCC report.

The Guardian

6.19pm BST Richards starts by asking about Nick Clegg's apology over tuition fees.

The Guardian

She followed up by asking about the fate of a local radio station.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When starting a conversation or investigation, using "by asking about" is a direct and effective way to introduce the topic of inquiry. Ensure the question that follows is clear and relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice when using "by asking about". Instead of "Information was gathered by asking about...", opt for the active voice: "We gathered information by asking about...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by asking about" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the method of gaining information or understanding. Ludwig examples show it setting up questions to explore topics or validate information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by asking about" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a question or explain how information is obtained. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific studies. While there are more formal alternatives like "by inquiring about", the neutral tone of "by asking about" makes it widely applicable. The examples show its prevalence in news, science, and general discussions, making it a useful tool for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by inquiring into

Substitutes "asking about" with the more direct "inquiring into".

through inquiry regarding

Replaces "asking" with a more formal term and specifies the method as inquiry.

by posing questions regarding

Emphasizes the act of "posing questions" to gain information.

via questioning concerning

Uses "questioning" instead of "asking" and "concerning" instead of "about", increasing formality.

by seeking information on

Focuses on the action of "seeking information" rather than the act of questioning.

by investigating

Implies a more in-depth and formal search for information.

through an investigation of

Similar to "by investigating", but with a stronger emphasis on a systematic approach.

by soliciting details concerning

Suggests actively seeking specific "details" through questioning.

by conducting an interview regarding

Replaces the general "asking about" with the more specific "conducting an interview".

by examining the subject of

Shifts the focus to a broader "examination" of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "by asking about" in a sentence?

You can use "by asking about" to introduce a question or topic of conversation. For example, "I started to understand the project better by asking about the initial requirements."

What phrases are similar to "by asking about"?

Similar phrases include "through inquiry regarding", "via questioning concerning", or "by inquiring into" depending on the context.

Is "by asking about" formal or informal?

"By asking about" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language will influence the overall formality.

What's the difference between "by asking about" and "by inquiring about"?

"By inquiring about" is a more formal alternative to "by asking about". While both phrases convey the same meaning, "inquiring" suggests a more serious or official investigation.