is imminent

USAGE SUMMARY

"is imminent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is about to happen very soon. For example: "The start of the race is imminent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Labour mobility is imminent.

The Economist

No resolution is imminent.

The Economist

Cancellation is imminent.

The New Yorker

Further transformation is imminent.

The New York Times

A pandemic is "imminent".

The New Yorker

A verdict is imminent.

The New Yorker

Still, no transaction is imminent.

The New York Times

Perhaps that moment is imminent.

Independent

Many bet Grexit is imminent.

The Guardian

Further capital-raising is imminent.

The Economist

Andy v Andy is imminent.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is imminent" to create a sense of anticipation or urgency in your writing. It suggests that an event is not just near, but unavoidable and about to unfold.

Common error

Avoid using "is imminent" for trivial or commonplace events. The phrase carries a weight of importance and should be reserved for situations that warrant a sense of urgency or significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is imminent" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a predicate adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it adheres to standard English grammar rules. This is used to attribute a quality of near occurrence to the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is imminent" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate that something is about to happen very soon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s common across various reputable sources, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it carries a sense of urgency and should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic in casual contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "is about to occur" or "will happen shortly", can offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will happen shortly

A straightforward statement of near-future occurrence.

is about to occur

Replaces "imminent" with a more descriptive verb phrase.

is nearing

Focuses on the process of approaching.

is forthcoming

Suggests an event is ready to happen or be revealed.

is on the horizon

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey nearness in time.

is close at hand

Emphasizes the proximity of the event.

is approaching rapidly

Highlights the speed at which something is coming.

is in the offing

An idiomatic expression implying something is likely to happen soon.

is just around the corner

Similar to "close at hand" but more informal.

is brewing

Suggests an event is developing and will soon emerge.

FAQs

How can I use "is imminent" in a sentence?

The phrase "is imminent" indicates that something is about to happen very soon. For example, "The storm "is imminent", so we should seek shelter".

What's the difference between "is imminent" and "is impending"?

"Is imminent" suggests something is about to happen immediately, whereas "is impending" implies something is looming and likely to occur, but not necessarily right away.

Are there more formal alternatives to "is imminent"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "is forthcoming" or "will transpire shortly".

Is "is imminent" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "is imminent" is best suited for contexts where a sense of urgency or importance is desired. Overuse in casual writing can sound overly dramatic.