it is about to begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is about to begin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is imminent or will start very soon. Example: "The concert is scheduled to start at 7 PM, and it is about to begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is about to begin its water trials.

BBC

The government is not, then, publicly drawing battle lines with the BBC - but it is about to begin its 10-yearly review of the corporation's charter and on this topic the newspapers are far from neutral observers.

BBC

Our space odyssey may not have started on time, but there is reason to believe it is about to begin.

The Guardian

It is about to begin international flights to two Indian cities in the first instance.But not all the new independent airlines have found the going easy.

The Economist

"I was pleased to be able to see my final project, Civilisations, through a period of development to the point where it is about to begin filming.

The Guardian

With the passage of landmark tobacco legislation last year, he added, the Food and Drug Administration's new tobacco division will be able to regulate the contents and marketing claims of e-cigarettes in the same way it is about to begin regulating traditional tobacco products.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The audience is seated, senators are standing around talking: it's about to begin.

The Guardian

The White House press secretary, Ari Fleischer, said Mr. Bush authorized the action on Thursday and knew that it was about to begin even as he stepped off Air Force One at the airport in León around 9 a.m.

The New York Times

When I first covered the online presentation service in August 2013, the company told me that it was about to begin raising a seed round.

TechCrunch

"It's very exciting for us because finally it's about to begin and finally we're about to put in to the games what we've done in practice day in, day out".".

BBC

It's about to begin!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is about to begin" to create anticipation or signal an imminent start, especially in formal announcements or descriptive narratives. Ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it is about to begin" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure your audience knows exactly what you're referring to, otherwise, the statement becomes confusing and lacks impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is about to begin" functions as a predictive statement, indicating that an event or process is on the cusp of starting. It suggests anticipation and readiness for the commencement of something, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is about to begin" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the imminent start of something. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across diverse contexts, including news, media, wikis, and scientific publications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, though clarity in referring to "it" is crucial. Related phrases like "it's on the verge of starting" or "it will commence shortly" can offer slight variations in tone. The phrase serves to build anticipation and signal readiness, ensuring effective communication about upcoming events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's on the verge of starting

Replaces "about to begin" with "on the verge of starting", implying a slightly more immediate commencement.

it will commence shortly

Uses a more formal verb, "commence", and the adverb "shortly", to convey the idea of something beginning soon.

it is starting imminently

Replaces "about to begin" with "starting imminently", emphasizing the immediacy of the start.

it is set to launch soon

Employs "set to launch soon", suggesting a planned or scheduled beginning in the near future.

it's kicking off momentarily

Uses the informal expression "kicking off momentarily", conveying a very imminent and perhaps energetic start.

it is on the horizon

This suggests that something is anticipated and nearing its start, although it is less immediate than the original phrase.

it is just around the corner

Implies the event is very close to starting, often used in a more casual context.

it is looming

Suggests the start of something is approaching and perhaps carries a sense of anticipation or foreboding.

the start is nigh

Employs archaic language to indicate that the beginning is near.

it is approaching

A more general term indicating that the beginning is drawing closer, but without a specific timeframe.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is about to begin" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it will commence shortly" or "the proceedings are about to commence".

Is "it is about to begin" appropriate for informal conversations?

Yes, "it is about to begin" is suitable for informal contexts. However, phrases like "it's about to start" or "it's starting soon" might be more common and natural.

What's the difference between "it is about to begin" and "it is going to begin"?

"It is about to begin" implies a higher degree of immediacy and certainty. "It is going to begin" is a more general statement about a future event without emphasizing its imminent start.

Can I use "it is about to begin" in academic writing?

Yes, "it is about to begin" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing. Ensure that "it" has a clear and specific reference within the context of your writing.