about to set off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to set off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is on the verge of starting a journey or an activity. Example: "We are about to set off on our road trip, so make sure you have everything packed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I am about to set off to Guantánamo Bay.

The Guardian - Opinion

The audience sees that a truck accident ahead is about to set off a gas explosion that will kill everyone for blocks around.

The New York Times - Magazine

The ParalympicsGB pair are about to set off but the chain gives way and they are going to have to start again.

The Guardian - Sport

Two men are about to set off on an Amazon adventure without any back-up.

BBC

The band are about to set off on another world tour to promote their latest album "Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams" which runs until March 2014.

BBC

Bokar says he is about to set off to Lake Débo, with his wife and children.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

While the British press argues about whether to submit or not to the requirements of the royal charter, we African journalists are worried about the consequences of this decision, particularly about its potential to set off a wave of more restrictive media laws and regulations.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is certainly the experience of the more stable provinces in central Afghanistan, where leaders talk about the need to set off bombs to receive the assistance given to their wealthier but more dangerous neighbors.

The New York Times

Just thinking about language can be enough to set off a chain of events in the brain of a stutterer that differs from that of someone who does not stutter, a new study reports.

The New York Times - Health

Not only are the animals intelligent and blessed with a sense of smell to rival that of dogs, they live for up to eight years and are – at an average weight of about a kilo – too light to set off pressure-activated anti-personnel mines.

The Guardian

Every migraineur knows about triggers: things that seem to set off a migraine attack like a flame kindles a brushfire.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to set off" to convey a sense of immediacy and anticipation, especially when describing travel or the start of an adventure.

Common error

Avoid using "about to set off" in contexts where a literal 'setting off' (like triggering an explosion) is intended, as the idiomatic meaning might cause confusion. Instead, use more direct language in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to set off" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that someone is on the verge of commencing a journey or activity. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase describes imminent departures or beginnings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about to set off" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to indicate the imminent start of a journey or activity. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, confirms its widespread use in news and media. The phrase serves to convey a sense of immediacy and anticipation, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though its idiomatic nature leans slightly towards informality. While versatile, care should be taken not to confuse it with literal 'setting off' scenarios. Consider alternatives like "on the verge of departing" or "ready to commence" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just about to leave

A simple variation stressing the proximity to the moment of departure.

on the verge of departing

Focuses on the immediate approach of leaving, similar to "about to set off".

on the brink of starting

Emphasizes the nearness to the commencement of something.

on the point of leaving

Highlights the decision and readiness to leave a place.

ready to commence

More formal, indicating preparedness to begin.

preparing for departure

Highlights the act of getting ready to leave.

getting ready to go

An informal way to say someone is preparing to leave.

gearing up to leave

Emphasizes preparation and excitement before leaving.

on the cusp of beginning

Focuses on the exact moment of starting an activity.

on the threshold of starting

Emphasizes crossing the boundary into a new activity.

FAQs

How can I use "about to set off" in a sentence?

Use "about to set off" to indicate an imminent departure or the beginning of an activity. For example, "We're about to set off on our journey" or "The team is about to set off on their research project".

What can I say instead of "about to set off"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of departing", "ready to commence", or "preparing for departure" depending on the context.

Is "about to set off" formal or informal?

"About to set off" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist for certain situations.

What's the difference between "about to set off" and "about to leave"?

"About to set off" often implies the start of a journey or activity with some preparation involved, whereas "about to leave" is a more general statement indicating an imminent departure.