about to see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to see" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is imminent or about to happen, often in the context of an upcoming event or revelation. Example: "You are about to see the results of your hard work in the upcoming presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We are about to see".

The New York Times

"What I am about to see".

The New Yorker

"I wasn't about to see it go down the tubes".

The New York Times

A man announced that what the children were about to see was called "Punch and Judy".

The New Yorker

The best word I can use to describe what you are about to see is "unbelievable".

The New Yorker

"And with him is Orson Welles whose picture you are about to see.

The New Yorker

Domestic Bliss You are not about to see Mr. Icahn relaxing on a golf course.

The New York Times

You don't think, 'Oh, I'm about to see art.' It's just there and you react spontaneously".

The New York Times

We are about to see the first real test of the new post-financial crisis regime.

The New York Times

You are about to see four dances.

Science Magazine

We are not about to see a concrete application of nanomedicine in daily psychiatric practice.

European Neuropsychopharmacology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to see" to create anticipation or suspense, preparing your audience for an upcoming revelation or event. For instance: "Ladies and gentlemen, you are "about to see" a performance unlike any other."

Common error

Avoid using "about to see" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "on the verge of witnessing" or "soon to observe" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to see" functions as a future-oriented expression, indicating an imminent visual experience or event. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from anticipating performances to expecting revelations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about to see" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that signals an imminent visual experience or event. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it frequently appears in news and media, scientific publications, and wiki articles. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional contexts. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use this phrase to create anticipation and provide context in your writing. Ludwig's diverse examples provide valuable insights into its usage across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about to witness

A direct synonym, emphasizing the act of being present during an event.

on the verge of seeing

Emphasizes the imminence of the event, suggesting it's just moments away.

on the brink of witnessing

More formal and dramatic, highlighting the significance of the upcoming event.

going to observe

More neutral and straightforward, suitable for a wider range of contexts.

preparing to view

Suggests a deliberate and conscious act of watching something.

set to witness

Implies a planned or scheduled event that is about to unfold.

anticipating the sight of

Focuses on the expectation and eagerness surrounding the upcoming visual experience.

expecting to behold

More literary and emphasizes the visual impact of what is to come.

soon to experience

Broader than just visual, encompassing a more general sensory experience.

ready to observe

Highlights preparedness and readiness for the upcoming event.

FAQs

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

You can use "about to see" to indicate that something will happen very soon. For example, "We are "about to see" the results of the election" or "The audience is "about to see" a spectacular performance".

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

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of seeing", "going to observe", or "preparing to view" depending on the context.

Is "about to see" formal or informal?

"About to see" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "about to see" and "about to witness"?

While similar, "about to witness" often implies a more significant or impactful event than "about to see", which can be used for more mundane observations.