about to burst

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to burst" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is on the verge of breaking or overflowing, often used metaphorically for emotions or physical states. Example: "After holding in her feelings for so long, she felt like she was about to burst with excitement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Pulled together but about to burst apart".

The New York Times - Arts

Storm clouds were about to burst again, but red rose petals showered first, embracing Juan Montoya in victory lane.

The New York Times - Sports

It feels like an idea is about to burst into your consciousness, almost as though you're about to sneeze".

Huffington Post

Seems like a cloud about to burst.

The New York Times - Books

Could prosecco's bubble be about to burst?

The Economist

Is the bubble about to burst?

The Guardian - Opinion

The Rangers' bubble is about to burst.

The New York Times - Sports

The bubble was about to burst.

The New York Times

His bladder was about to burst, he confessed.

The New Yorker

"My heart is about to burst," she said.

The New York Times

"Kramer is about to burst through Jerry's door".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity and impact, contextualize the phrase with specific details about what is "about to burst". This adds depth and helps the reader visualize the intensity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "about to burst" in predictable or overused scenarios. Over-reliance on this phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound unoriginal. Opt for more specific and nuanced language to describe the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to burst" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of imminence or near completion of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies that something is on the verge of happening, whether literally or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about to burst" is a versatile expression used to indicate imminence or a state of being on the verge of something significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's frequently found in news and media, but also appears in business contexts. To avoid cliché, use it thoughtfully and consider alternatives like "on the verge of erupting" or "ready to blow" for nuanced expression. Remember that this phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of erupting

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful release, similar to a volcano.

on the brink of exploding

Suggests an imminent and potentially destructive release of energy or emotion.

ready to blow

Implies a state of high tension or pressure that is about to be released.

nearing the breaking point

Focuses on the limit of endurance or capacity before something fails.

close to overflowing

Describes a situation where something is filled to capacity and is about to spill over.

on the edge of collapse

Highlights the instability and impending failure of a structure or system.

on the point of disintegration

Suggests a state of decay or breakdown that is about to reach its final stage.

about to detonate

Implies an explosive and sudden release of energy or force.

on the cusp of happening

Focuses on the imminence of an event or occurrence.

on the horizon

Suggests that an event or situation is approaching and will soon become apparent.

FAQs

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

The phrase "about to burst" describes something at its limit. For instance, "The balloon was "about to burst" from being overinflated" or "She was "about to burst" with excitement before the show".

What are some alternatives to "about to burst"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of exploding", "ready to blow", or "close to overflowing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "about to be burst" instead of "about to burst"?

No, "about to be burst" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "about to burst", which indicates an imminent action performed by the subject.

When is it appropriate to use "about to burst" metaphorically?

It's appropriate when describing emotions or situations reaching a critical point. For example, "The tension in the room was "about to burst"" or "His patience was "about to burst"".