about to fall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to fall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is on the verge of falling or is imminent in its action of falling. Example: "The leaves were so dry that they were about to fall from the tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If so, perhaps the tree is about to fall over.

The New York Times

But the string-pulling from behind the scenes is about to fall slack.

The Economist

Kandahar wasn't about to fall.

The New York Times

Is Tripoli about to fall?

The New Yorker

Is growth actually about to fall dramatically?

The Economist

IS THE internet about to fall apart?

The Economist

With Goma about to fall?

The Guardian - Opinion

Is Baghdad about to fall?

The New York Times

I'm about to fall in.

The Guardian - Music

That means it's about to fall back".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We have wheelchairs that are from the wartime period; they are about to fall apart.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to fall" to create a sense of immediacy or anticipation in your writing. It effectively conveys that something is on the verge of happening.

Common error

Avoid using "about to fall" excessively in passive voice sentences, as it can make your writing sound weak or indecisive. Opt for more direct and active constructions where possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to fall" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating an imminent event. It modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying that the subject is on the verge of experiencing a fall. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about to fall" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is on the verge of falling, whether literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from various sources, demonstrating its wide applicability. Its neutral register allows for use in diverse contexts, from news reports and scientific papers to casual conversations. While the phrase is generally straightforward, writers should be mindful of potential overuse in passive constructions. Alternative phrases such as "on the verge of falling" or "ready to drop" can provide nuanced options for expressing the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of falling

Emphasizes the precariousness and closeness to the action of falling.

on the brink of collapse

Suggests a more dramatic and complete failure is imminent.

on the point of tumbling

Highlights a loss of balance and a rolling or unsteady descent.

ready to drop

Focuses on a downward movement and a state of being prepared to fall.

poised to descend

Implies a controlled or deliberate downward movement that is about to begin.

nearing its downfall

Suggests an impending failure or ruin, often in a metaphorical sense.

approaching collapse

Emphasizes the process of nearing a state of failure or ruin.

close to failing

Highlights the near possibility of not succeeding or meeting expectations.

almost collapsing

Indicates the process is in advanced state and the collapse is likely.

set to decline

Suggests a predetermined or expected decrease or deterioration.

FAQs

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

You can use "about to fall" to describe a physical object, a metaphorical situation, or a personal state that is on the verge of decline or collapse. For example: "The old building was about to fall", "The company's profits were about to fall", or "I was about to fall asleep".

What are some alternatives to "about to fall"?

Alternatives include "on the verge of falling", "on the brink of collapse", "ready to drop", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "about to fall" or "going to fall"?

"About to fall" and "going to fall" are often interchangeable. However, "about to fall" tends to convey a greater sense of immediacy and imminence compared to "going to fall".

When should I use "about to fall" metaphorically?

You can use "about to fall" metaphorically to describe situations or entities that are experiencing instability or are nearing a point of failure. For instance, "The stock market looked "about to crash"".