is about to depart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is about to depart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is on the verge of leaving or going away soon. Example: "The train is about to depart, so please make sure you have all your belongings with you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The hearse is about to depart.

The Guardian

The train is about to depart on the reform journey.

The Guardian

The happy couple is about to depart when the phone rings.

The New Yorker

He is about to depart his role as Mark in the Off Broadway revival of "Rent".

The New York Times

HOW CLEVER THESE EARTHLINGS ARE Our spacecraft, decked out in honeysuckle upholstery, is about to depart.

The New York Times

Suddenly, when the latter is about to depart, frustrated, Beehernz announces he will come too.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

As I read over my thoughts before heading to the Algarve Cup (the same tournament for which I am about to depart) not so long ago, I was taken aback by how these past three years have shaped me as a professional soccer player and changed my perspective about what I do every day.

The New York Times

Audrey St. John, who works for the station's English-language service, said by telephone from Havana that the incident began Tuesday night when the Soviet-built, twin-engine turboprop AN-24 with 48 people aboard was about to depart from Jose Marti Airport for Nueva Gerona, an island south of Cuba's main island.

Los Angeles Times

Ferguson is about to go and Mancini has already departed.

BBC

Instead, they spirited her onto an Aeroflot flight as it was about to depart Kennedy Airport.

The New York Times

She and Frank were about to depart for Mabou until October.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is about to depart", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or who is leaving and the intended destination or purpose of departure.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses unexpectedly. For instance, if you start a sentence using "is about to depart", maintain a consistent tense throughout the rest of the sentence and surrounding sentences to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is about to depart" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something or someone is on the verge of leaving. It describes an action that will happen very soon. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is about to depart" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that communicates the imminence of a departure. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to inform, warn, or instruct an audience. While slightly formal, it remains appropriate for both neutral and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is just about to leave

Indicates a very near future departure.

is going to depart

A slightly more formal alternative indicating a future departure.

is on the verge of leaving

Emphasizes being at the very edge of departure.

is on the point of leaving

Highlights the precise moment of leaving.

is set to leave

Implies a determined or arranged departure.

will soon be leaving

Highlights the near future aspect of the departure.

is preparing to leave

Focuses on the act of getting ready to depart.

is due to leave

Suggests an expected or required departure.

is scheduled to leave

Indicates a planned or timetabled departure.

is getting ready to go

A more informal way of saying someone is preparing to depart.

FAQs

How do I use "is about to depart" in a sentence?

Use "is about to depart" to indicate that someone or something is on the verge of leaving. For example, "The train "is about to depart", so please board quickly".

What are some alternatives to "is about to depart"?

You can use alternatives like "is preparing to leave", "is on the verge of leaving", or "is scheduled to leave" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is about to depart"?

Yes, "is about to depart" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English to describe an imminent departure.

What is the difference between "is about to leave" and "is about to depart"?

"Is about to leave" and "is about to depart" are very similar, but "is about to depart" is often perceived as slightly more formal. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.