about to expire

USAGE SUMMARY

"about to expire" is a common expression used in written English.
It usually refers to an item or object that has a limited lifespan (such as a warranty or food item) and is approaching the end of its useful life. For example: "The milk carton said 'best before April 15th' so it's about to expire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The plant's operating licenses are about to expire.

The New York Times

"I am about to expire up here," a sweaty Woolfe-meister told the crowd.

The Guardian

I am about to expire on your premises".

Vice

The family's visas were about to expire.

The New York Times

Now the lease was about to expire.

The New Yorker

Is your driver's license about to expire?

The New York Times

Humanity is about to expire, but this time it's personal.

The New York Times

Your right to unlock your cellphone is about to expire.

The New York Times

Her visa is about to expire, the couple said.

The New York Times

The banking password may be about to expire — forever.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Owners of an about-to-expire copyright have several favorite arguments for extending it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about to expire", ensure the context clearly indicates what is expiring. Be specific about the item (e.g., "The warranty is about to expire.") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "about to expire" when the expiration date is distant. This phrase implies imminence. Instead, use terms like "will expire in [timeframe]" for future expirations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to expire" functions as a descriptor indicating an imminent end or termination of something. It modifies a noun, specifying that the noun's validity, usability, or duration is nearing its conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about to expire" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something nearing its expiration date. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, from news and media to academia and science. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify what is expiring to avoid ambiguity. Remember that it implies imminence, so reserve it for situations where the expiration is near. Consider alternatives like "expiring soon" or "nearing expiration" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expiring soon

Directly indicates the temporal proximity of the expiration.

almost expired

Highlights the nearly completed state of expiring.

nearing expiration

Focuses on the proximity to the expiration date, emphasizing the timing.

reaching its expiration date

Focuses on the expiration date as the key point of reference.

on the verge of expiring

Similar to "about to expire" but adds a sense of imminence or closeness to the event.

drawing to a close

Emphasizes the ending phase of something, applicable to periods or agreements.

coming to an end

Highlights the termination of something, such as a contract or a season.

set to lapse

Implies that something will become invalid or inactive if not renewed or addressed.

on its last legs

Suggests that something is in its final stages of usefulness or validity.

nearly over

Indicates the ending phase of something, suggesting a process or state.

FAQs

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

You can use "about to expire" to indicate that something is nearing its expiration date. For example, "My driver's license is "about to expire", so I need to renew it soon."

What are some alternatives to "about to expire"?

Alternatives include "expiring soon", "nearing expiration", or "coming to an end", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the deadline is about to expire"?

Yes, it is correct. "About to expire" is commonly used with deadlines, contracts, licenses, and other time-sensitive items. Saying that a deadline is "about to expire" indicates that the deadline is very close.

What's the difference between "about to expire" and "expired"?

"About to expire" means something will expire in the near future, whereas "expired" means that something is no longer valid because its expiration date has passed.