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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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about to retire

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to retire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is on the verge of retiring soon. Example: "After decades of dedicated service, she is about to retire and start a new chapter in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Chambliss is 69 and about to retire.

News & Media

The New York Times

But what if I am about to retire?

News & Media

The New York Times

Is she about to retire, everyone asks, to permit President Obama to name her replacement?

News & Media

The New York Times

Now I am about to retire and must clean out my classroom.

I'm about to retire.

Sheehan, too, is about to retire.

He doesn't seem about to retire.

That's why I'm telling you first: I'm about to retire.

News & Media

The New York Times

The baby boom generation is about to retire.

News & Media

The New York Times

Hamilton wasn't about to retire the heavy artillery, either.

News & Media

The New York Times

But, Mr. Gerstner, now 59, was not about to retire.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to retire" to clearly indicate that someone is in the immediate process of ending their career or role. It's best used when the retirement is expected to happen very soon.

Common error

Avoid using "about to retire" when referring to long-term retirement plans. Use phrases like "planning for retirement" instead if the retirement is not imminent.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to retire" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate an imminent state of retirement. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about to retire" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that someone is nearing the end of their career. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While versatile, it is essential to use it when the retirement is imminent, differentiating it from long-term retirement planning phrases. Alternatives like "nearing retirement" or "preparing for retirement" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas, depending on the specific context and timeline. This phrase sees frequent use in news, media and business contexts.

FAQs

What's the difference between "about to retire" and "nearing retirement"?

"About to retire" indicates that someone is on the immediate verge of retirement. "Nearing retirement" suggests that someone is approaching retirement but not necessarily in the very near future.

Can "about to retire" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "about to retire" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports or professional announcements. However, consider using "preparing for retirement" or "approaching retirement" for more emphasis on the planning phase.

What are some alternatives to "about to retire" that don't use the word 'retire'?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "ending their tenure", "leaving their position", or "transitioning out of their role" as alternatives to "about to retire".

Is it correct to say "about to be retired"?

While grammatically understandable, "about to be retired" is less common and can sound passive. "About to retire" is generally the preferred and more direct phrasing.

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: