about to turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to turn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is on the verge of changing direction or state, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The leaves are about to turn, signaling the arrival of autumn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Yet the tide was about to turn.

The New York Times

"This carriage is about to turn back into a pumpkin.

The New York Times

He pointed out that Trump was about to turn seventy.

The New Yorker

And I'm not about to turn my back on you".

The New York Times

I was like 19 and about to turn pro.

The New York Times

I'm almost about to turn 40.

Huffington Post

The energy shortage tide however might be about to turn.

Huffington Post

You're about to turn 42.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was about to turn 65.

The New York Times

I was about to turn thirty.

The New Yorker

He's about to turn 34.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about to turn" to describe a person's age, consider adding the age for clarity like: 'He's about to turn 30'.

Common error

Avoid using "about to turn" solely for literal, physical rotations unless the context warrants an idiomatic meaning. For example, instead of saying "The car is about to turn the corner" consider "The car is turning the corner" or "The car is going to turn the corner" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to turn" functions as an idiomatic expression, often used as part of a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used in the English language. It serves to indicate that something is on the cusp of changing or transitioning to a different state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about to turn" is a versatile and commonly used idiomatic expression that signals an imminent change or transition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is sound and readily accepted. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it also appears in formal and informal settings. When using "about to turn", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the anticipation of a forthcoming shift. Alternatives like "on the verge of" or "approaching a turning point" may offer a more formal tone. Remember to avoid literal interpretations unless contextually appropriate. By mastering these nuances, you can effectively use "about to turn" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching a turning point

Highlights the significance of the imminent change, suggesting a critical juncture.

on the verge of becoming

Emphasizes the imminence of a transformation, highlighting the state of being just before a change occurs.

on the brink of changing

Focuses on the nearness to a shift, suggesting a potentially significant alteration.

on the cusp of transitioning

Highlights the transitional aspect, suitable when referring to a gradual process of change.

nearing the point of reversal

Specifically indicates an approaching turnaround or opposite change.

at the point of shifting

Suggests a specific moment of change, often implying a pivot or alteration in direction.

on the edge of evolving

Implies a slow or gradual transformation, focusing on the development aspect of change.

close to transforming

Simple and direct, emphasizing the proximity to a complete change in form or nature.

on the horizon for alteration

Suggests that a change is foreseeable and approaching in the near future.

in the process of pivoting

Suggests a change in strategy or approach is starting to take place.

FAQs

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

You can use "about to turn" to describe something that is on the verge of changing, such as "The weather is about to turn cold" or "He is about to turn 30".

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

"About to turn" suggests that the change is very imminent, almost immediate, while "going to turn" implies a future action that may not be as close.

What can I say instead of "about to turn" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "on the verge of", "on the brink of", or "approaching a turning point".

Is it correct to say "about to be turn" instead of "about to turn"?

No, "about to be turn" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "about to turn", where "turn" functions as an intransitive verb in this context.