just about to boil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about to boil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is on the verge of boiling, often in a literal sense with water or metaphorically in other contexts. Example: "The kettle was just about to boil when I remembered I needed to add tea leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking

Figurative language to indicate rising tension

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Heat the coconut milk until it's just about to boil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Heat the milk until frothy and just about to boil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Heat the milk in a medium saucepan over a high heat until it's just about to boil, then whisk in the polenta and turn the heat down to low.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When the water is just about to boil, remove it from the heat and add the onions to the water.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Remove the kelp just as the water is about to boil and add a handful -- about half a cup -- of bonito flakes.

The New York Times - Food

When Dick slowly addresses Grant by his first name, it's with a similar underlying sense of threat as when strangers call each other "mate" just as a fight is about to boil over.

The New Yorker

Was he about to boil over or just listening hard?

The New York Times - Arts

"It's about to boil over.

Los Angeles Times

Bring just about to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and add cornmeal in a steady stream, whisking all the while to prevent lumps from forming.

The New York Times

Put the milk, cream, orange strips, cinnamon, vanilla pod and seeds in a saucepan, and cook for about six minutes on a medium heat, until just about to come to a boil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To make the Pumpkin Crème: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix cornstarch and water with a whisk or fork and set aside. 2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together coconut milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and salt, and heat over medium heat until it just begins to boil, about 5 minutes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just about to boil" to indicate a precise moment of anticipation before boiling begins. It's useful for recipes or describing escalating situations.

Common error

Avoid using "just about to boil" in contexts where "about to explode" or "about to erupt" are more appropriate. "Just about to boil" is best when indicating imminence, not necessarily intense emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about to boil" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating the state of being very close to the boiling point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just about to boil" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something nearing its boiling point, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI supports this. While not exceedingly common, it finds use in news, lifestyle content, and wikis. Semantically similar phrases include "on the verge of boiling" and "almost boiling". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately conveys imminence without implying an overly dramatic escalation. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of boiling

Emphasizes the imminent nature of reaching a boiling state.

about to reach boiling point

Highlights the nearing of the specific temperature at which boiling occurs.

nearing boiling point

Focuses on the progression towards the point of boiling.

on the cusp of boiling

Uses a metaphorical term to indicate being at the very edge of boiling.

ready to boil

Indicates a state of preparedness for boiling to begin.

almost boiling

Simple and direct way to express proximity to boiling.

close to boiling

Similar to "almost boiling" but with a slightly different emphasis.

at the point of boiling

Highlights being precisely at the moment where boiling is expected.

on the brink of a boil

Uses "brink" to suggest the edge or threshold of boiling.

approaching a boil

Focuses on the act of moving closer to the state of boiling.

FAQs

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

You can use "just about to boil" to describe a liquid that is very close to its boiling point, as in "The water was "just about to boil" when I added the pasta". It can also be used figuratively to describe a situation that is about to escalate.

What's a simple way to describe something "just about to boil"?

Alternatives include "almost boiling" or "nearly boiling", which are more direct and less emphatic.

When is it appropriate to use "just about to boil" figuratively?

Use it figuratively when describing a situation that is on the verge of escalating or becoming chaotic, like "Tensions were "just about to boil over"".

Is "just about to boil" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal writing might favor alternatives like "on the verge of boiling".