it is imminent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is imminent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is about to happen very soon or is impending. Example: "The storm is approaching quickly; it is imminent that we take shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Cleo magazine is widely expected to close, although its publishers are denying it is imminent.

The Guardian

It is imminent.

The New York Times

Now it is imminent," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky). said on the Senate floor following the vote.

The Washington Post

We may now be late cycle, and the end may now be sooner than many had expected, but we don't think it is imminent.

The Guardian - Business

"It is imminent disposal, not travel time to the entrance, that governs when the police may reasonably enter," Justice Souter said.

The New York Times

The moral, for Mr Smithers, is not that "the collapse of civilisation as we know it is imminent", but that companies will almost certainly be spending less on their own shares.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"It's imminent," he said.

The New York Times

The illusion was that it was imminent.

The New York Times - Books

"It's imminent," a National Hockey League official said yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

In the weeks before the elections, many of his supporters were convinced that it was imminent.

The New York Times

"It's imminent if the city and the mayor cannot come up with something".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it is imminent", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the event or situation that is about to occur.

Common error

Avoid using "it is imminent" for events that are merely expected or likely but not immediately approaching. This phrase conveys a strong sense of impending occurrence, so reserve it for situations where the event is truly on the verge of happening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is imminent" functions as a statement indicating that something is about to happen very soon. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. The pronoun "it" refers to a specific event or situation, and "is imminent" serves as the predicate, describing the state of being.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is imminent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is about to happen very soon. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its primary function is to convey urgency and a sense of impending occurrence, making it suitable for news, scientific, and professional contexts. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations where the event's occurrence is highly likely and immediate. Be mindful of overuse in less urgent scenarios and ensure clarity regarding what 'it' refers to. Alternatives such as "it is impending" or "it is approaching" can be used for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is impending

Uses a synonym for 'imminent', maintaining a similar degree of formality and urgency.

it is forthcoming

Indicates that something is about to happen, often used in formal contexts.

it is about to happen

A more direct and simple way of saying that something is going to occur soon.

it is close

Replaces 'imminent' with 'close', indicating nearness but with less intensity.

it is near

Similar to 'close', but slightly more formal.

it is approaching

Focuses on the process of nearing, slightly less forceful than 'imminent'.

it is just around the corner

An idiomatic expression denoting that something will occur very soon.

it is on the horizon

Suggests that something is likely to happen in the near future, less immediate than "it is imminent".

it is in sight

Implies that the event is visible or clearly predictable.

it will transpire shortly

Formal, indicating something will happen soon.

FAQs

What does "it is imminent" mean?

The phrase "it is imminent" means that something is about to happen very soon or is impending. It suggests that an event is likely to occur in the immediate future.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is imminent"?

Use "it is imminent" when you want to convey a sense of urgency and near certainty that something will happen. It's best suited for situations where the event is definitely approaching, such as a deadline, a storm, or a decision.

What are some alternatives to saying "it is imminent"?

You can use alternatives like "it is impending", "it is approaching", or "it is forthcoming" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it is imminent" and "it is possible"?

Yes, "it is imminent" implies a high degree of certainty and nearness, whereas "it is possible" only suggests a chance or likelihood, without indicating how soon it might occur. "It is possible" suggests something may or may not happen, while "it is imminent" means the event is very likely to occur soon.