Pronunciation: [wˈɜːt ɐbˈa͡ʊt tuː] (IPA) 
The phrase "wert about to" in modern English is spelled as "were about to." The spelling change can be explained by the Great Vowel Shift that occurred between the 1400s and 1700s, which altered the pronunciation of certain vowels. "Wert" was how the word "were" was pronounced during Middle English, with the /w/ sound at the beginning being dropped later. The new spelling is pronounced /wɛr əˈbaʊt tu/.
"Wert about to" is an archaic English phrase derived from Middle English, where "wert" is a contraction of "were" and "about to" means intending or on the verge of doing something.
The expression "wert about to" implies that someone is in the process of undertaking a particular action or has the intention of doing so in the near future. It suggests a state of readiness or preparedness to engage in a specific activity or to fulfill a certain purpose. The term "wert about to" conveys a sense of anticipation or expectancy regarding an imminent event, emphasizing that the person in question is about to commence or execute a task, often with a determined mindset.
This archaic phrase is commonly found in literature from various time periods, particularly in older texts, plays, and poetry, as it was more commonly used in older forms of the English language. Its usage adds a historical or classical touch to written works, evoking a sense of time and context.
In summary, "wert about to" signifies the state or act of being prepared or intending to carry out a specific action. With its roots in Middle English, the term is now primarily used in literature and historical references and may not be commonly encountered in modern everyday conversation.
