about to arrive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to arrive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is imminent or expected to reach a destination very soon. Example: "The train is about to arrive at the station, so please stand behind the yellow line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So both sides won: Paris liberated itself but only as the allies were about to arrive.

The Guardian

The first 50 prisoners were about to arrive, and eventually 400 would be held here, Mr. Zahir said.

The New York Times

"Phallucifer" is about to arrive.

Vice

Daylight saving time is about to arrive.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are about to arrive.

The Guardian

I'd baked a cake, and guests were about to arrive.

The New Yorker

They are also about to arrive on these shores.

The Guardian

A rowdy new class of freshmen was about to arrive.

The New Yorker

When the opera opens, Anatol is about to arrive.

The New York Times - Arts

"The secretary and the science and technology minister are about to arrive," Mr. Lu said.

The New York Times

I say, 'No big deal.' " The donors were about to arrive.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to arrive" when you want to convey a sense of immediacy and anticipation regarding someone or something reaching a destination. For a more formal tone, consider "is expected to arrive" or "is slated to arrive."

Common error

Avoid using "about to arrived". The correct form always uses the base form of the verb: "about to arrive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to arrive" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is on the verge of reaching a destination. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing imminent events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about to arrive" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the imminence of someone or something reaching a destination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news and media, and its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts. Remember to avoid the incorrect form "about to arrived" and consider alternatives like "on the verge of arriving" or "expected to arrive" for subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, you can confidently use "about to arrive" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of arriving

Replaces "about to" with "on the verge of", emphasizing the imminence of arrival.

on the brink of arriving

Similar to "on the verge of", but with a slightly stronger sense of impending arrival.

nearing arrival

Focuses on the progressive aspect of approaching arrival.

approaching arrival

Like "nearing arrival", but emphasizes the action of approaching.

soon to arrive

Simplifies the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of imminent arrival.

arriving shortly

Highlights the short time frame before arrival.

due to arrive imminently

Adds a sense of scheduling and emphasizes the immediate nature of the arrival.

anticipated arrival

Shifts the focus to the expectation of the arrival.

expected to arrive

Similar to "anticipated arrival", but more neutral in tone.

slated to arrive

Implies a formal scheduling of the arrival.

FAQs

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

You can use "about to arrive" to indicate that someone or something is expected to reach a destination very soon. For example: "The train is about to arrive at the station" or "The guests are about to arrive for dinner."

What can I say instead of "about to arrive"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of arriving", "soon to arrive", or "expected to arrive" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "about to arrived"?

No, "about to arrived" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "about to arrive", using the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "about to arrive" and "already arrived"?

"About to arrive" indicates that someone or something is on the verge of reaching a destination, whereas "already arrived" means that they have completed their journey and are present at the destination.