about to end

USAGE SUMMARY

"about to end" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is close to finishing or coming to an end. Example: "We quickly finished our lunch because we knew that our break was about to end and we didn't want to be late for our next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is about to end.

The Economist

Now that era was about to end.

The New Yorker

That period is about to end.

The New York Times

But that is about to end.

The New York Times - Sports

Nor is the ordeal about to end.

The New York Times

That neglect is about to end.

The New York Times

The calm, however, is about to end.

The Economist

The answer is, it's about to end.

The New York Times - Sports

The game is about to end.

The New York Times - Sports

That anonymity though is about to end.

The New York Times

But all that is about to end.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to end" to clearly indicate that something is in its final moments. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, providing versatility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "about to end" when describing long, drawn-out processes or situations. This phrase implies a near-instantaneous conclusion, so ensure that it matches the actual timeframe of the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to end" functions as a verb phrase indicating an imminent cessation or conclusion of an event, period, or activity. It conveys a sense of anticipation that something is on the verge of finishing. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about to end" is a versatile phrase used to signal the approaching conclusion of an event or period. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Analysis of various sources reveals that it is most frequently used in news and media, with neutral register appropriate for both formal and informal communication. For alternative expressions, consider "on the verge of ending" or "nearing its conclusion" to add nuance. When using the phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the imminent nature of the ending to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On the verge of ending

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the closeness to the end.

Nearing its conclusion

Formal and highlights the process of approaching the end.

Drawing to a close

Evokes a sense of gradual completion.

Coming to an end soon

More explicit about the proximity of the end.

At the tail end

Informal and indicates the final part of something.

In its final stages

Focuses on the progress of reaching the end.

Concluding shortly

Highlights the brief amount of time remaining.

Wrapping up soon

Informal and emphasizes the act of finalizing something.

Terminating imminently

Formal and emphasizes the official cessation of something.

On the point of finishing

Highlights the act of finishing and the proximity to that point.

FAQs

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

You can use "about to end" to describe events or periods that are nearing their conclusion. For example, "The concert was about to end, and the crowd was cheering for an encore".

What are some alternatives to "about to end"?

Some alternatives include "on the verge of ending", "nearing its conclusion", or "drawing to a close", depending on the context.

Is "about to end" formal or informal?

"About to end" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "about to end" and "coming to an end"?

While both phrases indicate that something is finishing, "about to end" suggests greater immediacy, while "coming to an end" can refer to a process that's nearing its final stages but not necessarily imminent.