just about to begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about to begin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is on the verge of starting or happening very soon. Example: "The concert is just about to begin, so please take your seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

All is just about to begin.

Independent

For somewhere else, perhaps, the show was just about to begin.

The Guardian - Film

The American romance with Pakistan was over, but the marriage was just about to begin.

The New Yorker

The story from the Watford point of view, however, was just about to begin.

The Guardian - Sport

For the majority of Ukrainians, the fight for survival is just about to begin.

The Guardian

For Boca the party was just about to begin, regardless of the quality on the pitch.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

We're at the Pentagon and our protest is either just over or about to begin.

Huffington Post

But the next day, just as he was about to begin qualifying, he received some shocking news.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bath and Aldeburgh have just passed, Cheltenham is about to begin and, later this summer, are the Proms and Edinburgh.

The Guardian - Music

Gauguin died in 1903, in the Marquesas Islands, also of complications from syphilis, just as he was about to begin a jail sentence for insulting local authorities.

The New Yorker

Shopkeeper Abdul Sabor told Agence France-Presse: "People had just gathered and were about to begin their demonstration.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just about to begin" to convey a sense of anticipation or immediacy. It works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, "just about to begin" can sound less polished in very formal documents. Opt for alternatives like "on the verge of commencing" or "is set to begin" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about to begin" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the timing of an action. Ludwig examples show it describing imminent events, activities, or periods. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just about to begin" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is on the verge of starting. It is versatile, appearing in diverse contexts, especially in news and media. According to Ludwig, its meaning is clear and well-established. While suitable for most situations, slightly more formal alternatives may be preferable in highly formal writing. The numerous examples Ludwig provides demonstrate its widespread use and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of starting

Emphasizes the imminence of the beginning, suggesting a critical point has been reached.

on the point of commencing

A more formal alternative, indicating a planned or official start is imminent.

about to get underway

Implies the beginning of a process or event that is expected to progress smoothly.

nearing the start

Highlights the approach of the beginning, rather than the exact moment.

ready to kick off

An informal phrase, often used for events or projects, suggesting excitement and readiness.

set to launch

Suitable for describing the start of projects, initiatives, or products, focusing on their introduction.

at the threshold of beginning

A more literary or dramatic way to express the start, emphasizing the transition.

in the initial stages of starting

Indicates that the beginning is very recent and still in its early phase.

close to initiating

Focuses on the act of starting or setting something in motion.

preparing to get going

Highlights the preparations being made just before the start.

FAQs

What does "just about to begin" mean?

The phrase "just about to begin" means that something is on the verge of starting, very close to its commencement, or is imminent.

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

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of starting", "about to get underway", or "set to launch", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "just about to started"?

No, "just about to started" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "just about to begin" or "just about to start", using the base form of the verb after "to".

How formal is the phrase "just about to begin"?

The phrase "just about to begin" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "on the point of commencing".