about to stop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to stop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is on the verge of coming to an end or ceasing to function. Example: "The train is about to stop at the next station, so please gather your belongings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here both squadrons turned about, to stop and capture an Ottoman column, attempting to escape Beersheba.

Wikipedia

And we're not about to stop now".

The New York Times

Now that isn't about to stop.

The Guardian

I'm not about to stop now".

The New York Times - Arts

And they're not about to stop.

The New York Times - Travel

And he is not about to stop.

The Guardian - Sport

They're about to stop being obsolete.

The Guardian

Mr. Lazzari is about to stop, too.

The New York Times

But the debate is not about to stop.

The New York Times

"I'm not about to stop my life," Mrs. Kudzin said.

The New York Times

And he's not about to stop now, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about to stop", ensure the context clearly indicates what is coming to an end. For example, specify "The music is about to stop" rather than simply "It's about to stop".

Common error

Avoid using "about to stop" when you mean something will slow down but not completely cease. Use phrases like "slowing down" or "decelerating" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to stop" functions as a verb phrase indicating an imminent action. It modifies a verb, adding a sense of immediacy and prediction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about to stop" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase to indicate that something is nearing its end. Ludwig AI validated the phrase's correctness, and its prevalence across various sources, notably in News & Media, confirms its versatility. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's crucial to ensure that the context clearly specifies what action or event is approaching its cessation. For more formal usage, consider alternatives like "on the verge of stopping". To avoid ambiguity, ensure the intended meaning is complete cessation rather than a reduction in activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of stopping

Replaces "about to" with a more descriptive phrase indicating closeness to stopping.

on the brink of ceasing

Substitutes "stop" with "ceasing", adding a slightly more formal tone.

nearing cessation

Emphasizes the process of approaching a stop or end.

close to halting

Uses "halting" as a synonym for "stopping", highlighting a temporary pause.

on the point of termination

Presents a formal alternative, particularly suitable in technical contexts.

approaching a standstill

Indicates a progression towards complete immobility or inactivity.

ready to quit

Implies a deliberate decision to cease an action, introducing the concept of volition.

prepared to end

Suggests readiness for a final conclusion or stopping point.

nearing its end

Focuses on the termination of something, rather than the act of stopping.

soon to cease

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, indicating that cessation will occur shortly.

FAQs

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

You can use "about to stop" to indicate that something will cease soon. For example: "The bus is "about to stop" at the next station."

What's a more formal way to say "about to stop"?

A more formal alternative is "on the verge of stopping" or "nearing cessation". These phrases add a level of sophistication suitable for professional or academic writing.

Which is correct, "about to stop" or "about to be stopping"?

"About to stop" is the correct and more common phrasing. "About to be stopping" is grammatically awkward and less frequently used.

What can I say instead of "about to stop" when something is slowing down, but not completely ending?

Consider using phrases like "slowing down", "decelerating", or "gradually ceasing" to convey a reduction in activity without a complete halt.