is about to stop

USAGE SUMMARY

"is about to stop" is a correct and useable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe an event that is going to happen in the near future, often with a sense of urgency or inevitability. Example: The storm clouds were gathering and the wind was picking up speed - it was clear that the rain is about to stop.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Mr. Lazzari is about to stop, too.

The New York Times

For Fox, the show's trademark clock is about to stop ticking.

The New York Times

But if he thinks carping coverage is about to stop, he is deceiving himself.

The Guardian

He is about to stop work on a commission - the first time he has done so for years.

The Guardian - Books

For HMV, Britain's last major high street DVD and CD chain, the music is about to stop.

The Guardian - Business

"I have reason to believe that coffee is about to stop working!" "…And that is why I have called you here," the President said to the Cabinet.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

They're about to stop being obsolete.

The Guardian

Security officials were about to stop the teenager when there was a blast.

The Guardian

Forced errors ReprintsBut some worry that the good times are about to stop rolling.

The Economist

I always think he's about to stop, and then he doesn't.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It doesn't look like she's about to stop any time soon.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is about to stop", ensure the context clearly indicates the imminent nature of the cessation. For example, "The music is about to stop, so find a partner quickly" conveys urgency and immediacy.

Common error

Avoid using "is about to stopped". The correct form is "is about to stop", as "to" should be followed by the base form of the verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is about to stop" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating an imminent action. It combines the present tense of the verb 'to be' with the modal construction 'about to' to express that something will cease very soon, as evidenced in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is about to stop" serves as a modal verb construction used to describe an imminent cessation. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically sound and appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, general knowledge, and scientific discourse. While not exceedingly common, its neutral register makes it a versatile choice for expressing impending halts or terminations. When employing this phrase, ensure it's paired with the base form of the verb, and consider synonyms like "is on the verge of stopping" or "is nearing its end" for subtle variations in meaning and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is going to halt

This option uses a more direct synonym for stop, focusing on the action of halting.

is on the verge of stopping

This alternative suggests a slightly more gradual or precarious situation compared to the abruptness implied by "is about to stop".

will come to a standstill

Highlights a gradual halt as opposed to an instant stop, as can be implied by "is about to stop".

is nearing its end

Focuses on the termination of something in a less abrupt way compared to "is about to stop".

is reaching its conclusion

Implies an expected and more formal end, less immediate than "is about to stop".

is drawing to a close

This alternative emphasizes the concluding phase of an event or period, offering a sense of completion rather than an immediate halt as in "is about to stop".

is approaching termination

This emphasizes the final stage of a process, differing from the immediacy of "is about to stop".

will cease momentarily

This alternative denotes a temporary pause or interruption, differing from the finality suggested by "is about to stop".

is terminating soon

This emphasizes the nearing of completion, differing from the immediacy of "is about to stop".

will discontinue shortly

Highlights a planned or official end, varying from the possible unexpectedness of "is about to stop".

FAQs

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

Use "is about to stop" to indicate that something will cease very soon. For example, "The movie "is about to stop", so let's pack our things".

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

You can use alternatives like "is nearing its end", "is going to halt", or "is on the verge of stopping" depending on the context.

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

No, "is about to stopped" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "is about to stop". The word "to" should be followed by the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "is about to stop" and "will stop"?

"Is about to stop" indicates something will cease in the very near future, emphasizing imminence. "Will stop" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply the same level of immediacy.