about to engage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to engage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is on the verge of starting an action or activity. Example: "The team is about to engage in a crucial meeting to discuss the project's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Koen and his "bruz" are about to engage in a spot of human trafficking.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Von Spee realized his armored cruisers could not escape the much faster battlecruisers, and so ordered the three light cruisers to attempt to break away while he turned about to engage the British with Gneisenau and Scharnhorst.

Wikipedia

They are not about to engage in mutual flagellation.

The Economist

NEW YORK's first gay newlyweds are about to engage in a time-honored ritual: the honeymoon.

The New York Times - Travel

They weren't about to engage with or challenge any stereotypes about women themselves.

The New Yorker

It felt as if we were about to engage in some kind of drug deal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The parenting talk on this blog and elsewhere has been about how to engage with children about unspeakable tragedy.

The New York Times

"What the LTA is about is trying to engage others to help us collectively grow the sport.

BBC

"When we were thinking about how to engage people in politics, most people say they don't care about politics.

TechCrunch

When the BRICS meet, their lofty communiqués disguise widespread internal disagreements about how to engage.

The New York Times

"For a long time there have not been any rules about how to engage with Microsoft.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to engage" when you want to convey the imminence of an action, especially when highlighting preparation or anticipation. For instance, "The negotiators are about to engage in a crucial round of talks" emphasizes the importance and timing of the discussion.

Common error

While "about to engage" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger verbs or more precise phrasings depending on the context to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to engage" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating that an action is imminent. It's used to convey that someone or something is on the verge of starting or participating in a specific activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about to engage" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the imminence of an action or event. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it maintains a generally neutral register, it's essential to consider the context and audience when choosing between "about to engage" and more formal alternatives. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to create anticipation and signal readiness, making it a valuable tool in both writing and speech. Remembering best practices, such as avoiding overuse in overly formal contexts, ensures its appropriate and impactful use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of engaging

Emphasizes the closeness to the point of starting the action.

on the point of engaging

Similar to 'on the verge', highlighting the immediacy of the action.

on the brink of engaging

Suggests a critical moment right before the action begins.

ready to engage

Directly indicates preparedness and willingness to start the action.

preparing to engage

Highlights the preparatory steps being taken before engaging.

going to engage

A more informal way to express the near future action.

set to engage

Indicates a planned or scheduled engagement.

poised to engage

Suggests a state of readiness and balance before initiating the action.

on the cusp of engaging

Similar to 'on the verge' but may imply a slightly longer timeframe.

close to engaging

Indicates proximity to the start of the action.

FAQs

What does "about to engage" mean?

The phrase "about to engage" means to be on the verge of starting or participating in something, indicating an imminent action or activity.

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

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of engaging", "ready to engage", or "preparing to engage" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "about to engage in"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The "in" is often added to specify the activity or situation one is about to participate in. For example, "They are about to engage in a discussion".

How formal is the phrase "about to engage"?

The phrase "about to engage" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. However, in very formal or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives for enhanced clarity.