just about done

USAGE SUMMARY

"just about done" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to express that something is almost finished or completed. Example: I have been working on this project for hours, but I am just about done with it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A We're just about done.

The New York Times

A Construction is just about done there.

The New York Times

"He was just about done".

The New York Times

I think you're just about done.

The Washington Post

"Tom Brady is just about done.

The Washington Post

When just about done, add spinach.

The New York Times - Food

3. When just about done, add garlic.

The New York Times - Food

This expanded notably–I'm just about done now in 2008.

Yale University

Right, that's us just about done for the day.

The Guardian - Sport

Browns 20-41 Bengals Yeah, this one's just about done.

The Guardian - Sport

Yeah, seriously, you're just about done now, arncha?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just about done" to convey a sense of near completion without implying absolute certainty. It's ideal when minor tasks or adjustments might still be needed.

Common error

Avoid using "just about done" when something is genuinely finished. Using "complete", "finished", or "done" is more appropriate if there's nothing left to do.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about done" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of near completion. As demonstrated by examples found by Ludwig, it describes that an action, task, or process is in its final stages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Food

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just about done" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to indicate that something is nearly complete. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in diverse contexts, particularly in news, food, and sports-related content. Alternatives such as "nearly finished" or "almost complete" can be used depending on the desired formality. While versatile, remember not to overstate the actual level of completion when using this phrase. This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into using "just about done" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly finished

Emphasizes the state of being close to the end, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly more formal tone.

almost complete

Focuses on the completion aspect, suggesting only minor tasks remain.

virtually complete

Highlights that completion is so near that it's as good as finished, adding a bit of exaggeration.

practically finished

Indicates a state where only minimal work is left to consider something complete.

close to completion

More formal and emphasizes the process of nearing the end rather than the state itself.

nearing completion

Similar to "close to completion" but with a greater focus on the ongoing process.

on the verge of completion

Suggests an imminent completion, highlighting the closeness of the end result.

drawing to a close

More metaphorical, indicating that something is in its final stages.

in the home stretch

Idiomatic expression indicating the final part of a race or task.

wrapping up

Informal, suggesting the final actions needed to conclude something.

FAQs

How can I use "just about done" in a sentence?

You can use "just about done" to indicate that something is nearly complete. For example, "I'm "just about done" with this report, I just need to proofread it."

What's a more formal way to say "just about done"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "nearly complete", "almost finished", or "approaching completion". Each of these provides a more elevated tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "just about finished" instead of "just about done"?

Yes, "just about finished" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "just about done". Both phrases convey the same idea of near completion, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

What's the difference between "just about done" and "completely finished"?

"Just about done" implies that something is very close to being finished but might still need a few minor touches. "Completely finished", on the other hand, indicates that something is fully and entirely done, with no further work required.