about to commence

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "about to commence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain event is about to start happening. For example, you can say, "We're about to commence the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although a published review of journal articles (up to 2004) and FDA information (up to 2003) identified only five studies as being conducted under the US regulations since their implementation in 1996 [ 22], at a Food and Drug Administration hearing held in October 2006 it was reported that 21 studies had been conducted, were underway or about to commence[ 23].

BMC Medical Ethics

Now, at long last, the ceremony is about to commence.

The Guardian - Film

Jansch is about to commence a world tour, while Orton is off to have a baby.

Independent

Here's a latest tweet: Bear health checks following the #newyearrescue about to commence.

The New York Times

It becomes a sign instead that telepathic communication is about to commence.

The New York Times

He died while about to commence work on the cupola of the Hôtel des Invalides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The film, we realize, does not depict an assassination about to commence.

The New York Times

The post-panamax terminal and the International Trade Centre are under construction or about to commence.

The Guardian

Is it tempting fate to say that now, right now, the Bafta awards are about to commence?

The Guardian - Film

He stood just five blocks from where the two policing meetings were about to commence at St . Peter Claver

The Washington Post

He accused Catt of robbing "an apparently defenceless child … of the life which he was about to commence".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to commence" to add a touch of formality when indicating that something is on the brink of starting. It works well in professional, academic, and official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "about to commence" in informal settings or casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "about to start" or "just starting" are usually more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to commence" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating an action or event that is immediately forthcoming. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about to commence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something is on the verge of beginning. As noted by Ludwig, it is acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, and Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it lends a touch of formality to announcements and is best suited for professional and official communications. Remember to consider the audience and context, opting for simpler alternatives like "about to start" in more casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just about to begin

Highlights the immediacy of the start.

on the verge of beginning

Emphasizes the proximity to the start of something.

on the point of starting

Indicates that something is ready to initiate.

close to initiating

Emphasizes the near future of the start.

set to initiate

Focuses on the planned or scheduled beginning.

slated to start

Highlights the planned nature of the commencement.

due to get underway

Implies a scheduled or expected start.

ready to launch

Suggests a more formal or significant start.

at the starting gate

Uses a metaphor to convey readiness for commencement.

in the offing

Suggests that something is likely to happen soon.

FAQs

What does "about to commence" mean?

The phrase "about to commence" means that something is on the verge of beginning or starting. It's a slightly more formal way of saying "about to start".

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

You can use "about to commence" in sentences like: "The ceremony is about to commence", or "The project is about to commence its final phase".

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

You can use alternatives like "about to begin", "about to start", or "ready to begin" depending on the context.

Is "about to commence" more formal than "about to start"?

Yes, "about to commence" is generally considered more formal than "about to start". The word "commence" itself is more formal than "start".