about to purchase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to purchase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating an imminent action of buying something. Example: "I am about to purchase a new laptop that I've been researching for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

If I wish to feel the cloth of a coat that I am about to purchase, it will not suffice if I pound it with my fists or quickly wisk my hand over it.

SEP

The idea for the business came about when I was about to purchase an online sweets company.

The Guardian

It's a short message informing her that the item she is about to purchase contains compounds that are linked to the decimation of coral reefs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Rich Klein, the vice president of a public relations firm, has a similar assignment in mind for the iPhone he's about to purchase.

The New York Times

New York consumers have the right to know the quality of the bumper on the car they are about to purchase.

The New York Times - Sports

He was about to purchase a hard drive on his credit card when he realized that the same government secretly monitoring journalists' phone records could also be tracking their purchases.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

So far, the district has spent about $61 million to purchase about 62,000 iPads.

Los Angeles Times

FOR THE RECORD: LAUSD iPads: In the Aug. 29 LATExtra section, an article about former Los Angeles Unified administrator Jaime Aquino's role in iPad contract discussions said the district had spent about $61 million to purchase about 62,000 iPads.

Los Angeles Times

The USGS has also spent about $1 million to purchase new sensor equipment for the system.

University of California, Berkeley

Last month, Ms. Pais also appeared to seek advice online about how to purchase a gun.

The New York Times

An announcement will be made at the news conference about how to purchase tickets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal business writing, consider alternatives like "intending to acquire" or "aiming to procure" for a more professional tone.

Common error

While "about to purchase" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "going to buy" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to purchase" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an imminent action. It combines the preposition "about" with the infinitive "to purchase", signifying that the act of buying is on the verge of occurring. Ludwig's examples show its use in varied contexts, from personal shopping to corporate acquisitions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

19%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about to purchase" is a versatile phrase indicating an imminent buying action. Ludwig's analysis shows it is grammatically sound and frequently used in news, academic, and business contexts. While acceptable in informal settings, simpler alternatives may be preferred. Understanding its nuances and contexts, as supported by Ludwig, allows for more precise and effective communication, ensuring that your writing conveys the intended meaning with clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of buying

Emphasizes the imminence of the purchase; suggests the decision is made and the action is nearly complete.

going to buy

A more casual and straightforward way of expressing the intention to purchase.

ready to buy

Focuses on the preparedness and willingness to make the purchase.

set to purchase

Implies a scheduled or pre-arranged purchase, highlighting the certainty of the transaction.

intending to buy

Highlights the intention and plan to purchase something, although the timing may be less immediate.

preparing to buy

Indicates that steps are being taken to get ready for the purchase.

planning to acquire

Suggests a more formal or considered approach to buying, suitable for significant purchases.

looking to acquire

Expresses an interest and intent to purchase, often used when exploring options.

aiming to procure

Similar to "planning to acquire" but suitable for business or formal contexts, implying a strategic approach.

contemplating buying

Highlights the act of thinking about making a purchase, suggesting less certainty than the original phrase.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of buying", "ready to buy", or "intending to buy" depending on the context.

Is "about to purchase" formal or informal?

"About to purchase" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very casual settings, consider using "going to buy" or other simpler alternatives.

How to use "about to purchase" in a sentence?

You can use "about to purchase" to indicate an imminent buying action, such as: "I am about to purchase a new car", or "The company is about to purchase new equipment".

Which is more appropriate: "about to purchase" or "going to buy"?

The choice depends on the context. "About to purchase" is suitable for formal or neutral situations, while "going to buy" is more appropriate for informal conversations.