about to find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to find" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is on the verge of discovering or learning something. Example: "I was about to find the answer to the puzzle when the lights went out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Mary Poppins" is about to find out.

The New York Times

I am about to find out.

The New York Times

We're about to find out.

The New York Times

I'm about to find out.

The New York Times

You're about to find out.

Independent

President Obama is about to find out.

The New York Times

They are about to find out.

The New York Times - Sports

Owner: I'm about to find out.

The New York Times

We are about to find out.

The New York Times

I suppose we're about to find out.

Independent

We're about to find out how much.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to find" when indicating an event is imminent and certain to result in a discovery or realization. For example, "The detective was "about to find" the missing clue when the lights went out."

Common error

Avoid using "about to find" when the subject is not the one doing the finding. If something is going to be discovered by someone else, use "about to be found". For example, say "The treasure was "about to be found" by the explorers" instead of "The treasure was "about to find" by the explorers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to find" functions as part of a verb phrase, indicating an action that is on the cusp of occurring. Ludwig AI suggests it describes the state of nearly discovering or learning something. The examples show it used to express anticipation or expectation of an imminent discovery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about to find" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the imminence of a discovery or realization. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to create anticipation. When using "about to find", ensure that the subject is the one actively discovering something, and consider alternative phrasing like "on the verge of discovering" for a more formal tone. While versatile, remember that "about to find" should be used when the discovery is both likely and imminent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of discovering

Implies a point very close to finding something out.

on the brink of realizing

Suggests a point just before understanding something fully.

close to uncovering

Emphasizes the act of revealing something previously hidden.

just about to discover

Highlights the immediacy of the impending discovery.

on the cusp of finding

Suggests a transitional moment right before discovery.

about to stumble upon

Implies an accidental or unexpected discovery.

on track to ascertain

Focuses on a planned and methodical discovery.

destined to uncover

Suggests an inevitable finding due to fate or circumstance.

poised to learn

Emphasizes a state of readiness for gaining new knowledge.

soon to reveal

Highlights the near-future unveiling of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "about to find" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "on the verge of discovering", "close to uncovering", or "on the brink of realizing". These alternatives, like "on the verge of discovering", maintain the sense of imminent discovery while elevating the language.

What's the difference between "about to find" and "going to find"?

"About to find" implies a higher degree of immediacy and certainty compared to "going to find". "About to find" suggests the discovery is practically happening now, while "going to find" simply indicates a future action. You might use "about to find" when something is clearly imminent.

Is it correct to say "I am about to found" instead of "I am about to find"?

No, "found" and "find" have different meanings. "Find" means to discover something, while "found" means to establish or create something. Therefore, "I am about to find" means you are on the verge of discovering something, while "I am about to found" means you are on the verge of establishing something, as in "I am about to found a company".

What can I say instead of "I'm about to find out"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm on the verge of discovering", "I'm close to uncovering", or "I'm poised to learn", depending on the context. For example, "I'm on the verge of discovering" the truth.