just about to

USAGE SUMMARY

'just about to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that is about to happen. Example: I was just about to leave when you arrived.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gleason was just about to start college.

The New Yorker

All is just about to begin.

Independent

I was just about to relate that.

Yale University

Instead, it is just about to start.

The Guardian

They're just about to crest this hill.

The Guardian - Sport

They were just about to sit down.

The New Yorker

"I'm just about to describe it".

The New Yorker

I was just about to give up.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'm just about to go there.

The Guardian

Or, it's just about to happen.

The Guardian

Probably when I'm just about to die.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just about to", ensure the following verb is in its base form (e.g., "just about to start", not "just about to starting").

Common error

Avoid mixing tenses incorrectly. For instance, it's incorrect to say "I am just about to went." The correct usage is "I am just about to go."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about to" functions as a modifier indicating that an action is on the immediate horizon. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound. This phrase serves to specify the timing of an impending event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just about to" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is on the immediate verge of happening. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. As this analysis shows, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, highlighting its widespread acceptability. It's a useful tool for creating a sense of anticipation in your writing, and understanding its proper usage – particularly regarding tense – will enhance your clarity. Remember to avoid common mistakes like incorrect verb tenses. By using this phrase effectively, you can more precisely convey the timing of events and engage your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about to

A more concise version with the same core meaning of immediate future action.

on the verge of

Emphasizes the point of transition, suggesting something is very close to happening.

on the point of

Indicates being at the precise moment before an action or event.

on the brink of

Suggests a critical or decisive moment is approaching.

on the cusp of

Implies a threshold or boundary about to be crossed.

ready to

Focuses on preparedness for an imminent action.

close to

Indicates nearness in terms of time or occurrence.

set to

Emphasizes a scheduled or planned near-future event.

in the process of

Highlights that an action is underway and nearing completion.

nearing

Simple way of expressing the fact of something approaching.

FAQs

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

Use "just about to" to indicate an action that will happen very soon. For example, "I was just about to leave when the phone rang" or "The movie is just about to start".

What's the difference between "about to" and "just about to"?

While both phrases express imminence, "just about to" often intensifies the feeling of immediacy. "Just" emphasizes that the action is happening even closer to the present moment than simply "about to".

What can I say instead of "just about to"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of", "about to", or "on the point of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was just about to went"?

No, the correct form is "I was just about to go". Always use the base form of the verb after "just about to".