about to embark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to embark" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is on the verge of starting a journey or undertaking a new project or experience. Example: "We are about to embark on a new adventure that will take us across the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Who was about to embark on a U.S. tour in 2002 when Entwistle died.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She said in a statement, "I am about to embark on a new adventure with NBC".

The New York Times

"McLaren and Honda are about to embark on a new and extremely exciting adventure together.

Independent

That means all of the company's engineers are about to embark on all night coding sessions.

TechCrunch

Nursing education in South Africa is about to embark on profound changes with the move to the higher education sector.

Global Health Action

IS FRANCE about to embark on another African military intervention?

The Economist

You're about to embark on a North American tour.

The New York Times

She is also about to embark on an incredible journey.

The Guardian - Film

You're about to embark on a short UK tour.

The Guardian

You are about to embark on a truly wild ride.

The New York Times - Books

And three-year-old Tudor, Pickering is about to embark on global expansion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to embark" when you want to convey a sense of anticipation or excitement about starting something new, especially a significant project, journey, or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "about to embark" for everyday, mundane activities. The phrase carries a weight of significance, so reserve it for events or undertakings that are genuinely noteworthy or transformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to embark" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the imminence of starting a journey, project, or significant experience. It often adds a sense of anticipation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about to embark" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the imminent start of a journey, project, or significant experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations that warrant a sense of anticipation or importance. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "ready to begin" or "on the verge of starting" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of beginning

Focuses on the imminence of the start, emphasizing the point just before the action begins.

on the cusp of starting

Highlights being at a transitional point right before initiating something new.

ready to commence

Emphasizes preparedness and formal readiness for the beginning of an event or activity.

on the brink of initiating

Indicates a critical point where something significant is about to be set in motion.

poised to undertake

Highlights a state of balance and readiness before starting a task or project.

set to launch

Implies a planned and scheduled commencement, often used for projects or initiatives.

preparing to initiate

Focuses on the preparatory actions being taken before the start of something.

gearing up to begin

Emphasizes the process of getting ready and enthusiastic about starting something.

on the threshold of initiating

Highlights the transition from one state to another, just before starting something.

on the point of departure

Indicates the specific moment of leaving or starting a journey or new phase.

FAQs

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

You can use "about to embark" to describe the start of a journey, project, or significant experience. For example: "We are "about to embark" on a new phase of development."

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

You can use alternatives like "ready to begin", "on the verge of starting", or "preparing to initiate" depending on the context.

Is "embark on" formal?

Yes, "embark on" is generally considered a more formal way to say "begin" or "start". It implies a sense of purpose and significance in the undertaking. Less formal options include "start" or "begin".

What's the difference between "about to embark" and "already embarked"?

"About to embark" indicates that something is on the verge of beginning. "Already embarked", on the other hand, means that the journey or undertaking has already started. For instance, "We are "about to embark" on our trip" means the trip will start soon, while "We have "already embarked" on our trip" means the trip has commenced.