about to strike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to strike" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is imminent or on the verge of happening, often in a dramatic or urgent context. Example: "The storm clouds gathered ominously, and we knew that rain was about to strike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Whitehall might be about to strike back.

The Economist

The fibre-optic age may be about to strike neurosurgery.

The Economist

We are maybe about to strike over it.

The Guardian

That 13th hour is always about to strike.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ms. Perry returned to her page and said gleefully, "The serial killer is about to strike".

The New York Times

The curse of the Flying Scotsman may be about to strike again.

Independent

I mean, I don't think the court is about to strike down Medicare.

The New York Times

They were about to strike off westward from the motorway, out across the Gobi desert.

The Economist

The New World was about to strike at the heart of France's most celebrated cultural symbol.

The New York Times

The first of the great resource crunches seemed about to strike.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lightning, however, was not about to strike twice; the film grossed only $26 million.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to strike" to create a sense of anticipation or urgency, signaling that an event is imminent. Ensure the context supports this immediate expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "about to strike" when describing events with no immediate impact or relevance. Using the phrase in this context can diminish the sense of immediacy and cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to strike" functions as a predictive expression. It indicates that a particular action or event is on the cusp of occurring. As per Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, emphasizing its validity in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about to strike" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote imminent action or occurrence. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and versatility, highlighting its frequent use in contexts ranging from news reporting to scientific discourse. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences, effectively conveying a sense of anticipation or urgency. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure the sense of immediacy aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of impact

Focuses on the point of contact or collision, emphasizing the immediate proximity of the event.

on the brink of hitting

Similar to 'verge', but highlights the potential force or consequence of the imminent event.

poised to attack

Implies a readiness and intention to strike, often in a more aggressive or strategic context.

ready to launch

Suggests a prepared and imminent initiation of something, such as a project or campaign.

on the cusp of occurring

Emphasizes the transitional moment just before something happens, highlighting the sense of anticipation.

on the point of commencing

More formal and highlights the initiation or beginning of an action or event.

imminent

A single-word alternative conveying that something is close at hand or impending.

in the offing

Indicates that something is likely to happen or appear soon.

just around the corner

Suggests that something is very close in time or proximity.

about to befall

Often used for negative events or misfortunes, emphasizing the impending nature of the occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "about to strike" to indicate that something is imminent. For example, "The clock was "about to strike" midnight when the deal was finalized."

What are some alternatives to "about to strike"?

Alternatives include "on the verge of", "on the brink of", or "imminent" depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is "about to strike" formal or informal?

"About to strike" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation when choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

What's the difference between "about to strike" and "going to strike"?

"About to strike" implies a higher degree of immediacy and certainty than "going to strike". "About to strike" suggests the event will happen almost immediately, while "going to strike" allows for a slightly longer timeframe.