just about to describe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about to describe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that you are on the verge of providing a description or explanation of something. Example: "I am just about to describe the process we will follow for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I'm just about to describe it".

The New Yorker

Michael would say: "But, Sue, I was just about to describe this lettuce as 'buttery'!" And I, as Susan, would sigh and say: "Showering everything in pointless adjectives is starting to get on everybody's wick, Mike".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Instead, she plays a central character who suffers a fate she describes thus: 'I'm just about to be sacrificed when an angel comes in and says, "It's OK, you just have to be a virgin for the rest of your life".

The Guardian

I'm just about to go out.

BMC Family Practice

Such raw gumption is just about impossible to describe because you're just not used to so much acceleration in a vehicle with these proportions.

Forbes

And by photographing those differences she found a metaphor for what it's still just about possible to describe as the human condition.

The Guardian - Books

CARLSBAD, Calif.— When PJ Haarsma wrote his first book, a science fiction novel for preteenagers, he didn't think just about how to describe Orbis, the planetary system where the story takes place.

The New York Times - Books

"Rivers of Gold" takes just about 700 pages to describe only the first 30 years of the Spanish conquests, from Columbus's first voyage and return in 1492-93 to Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe in 1519-22.

The New York Times - Books

"I was just trying to describe reality".

The New Yorker

Smith's energy and enthusiasm to get forward meant his flank was Liverpool's most profitable in the first half but what could just about be described as their only chance saw Divock Origi fire a left-to-right shot wide of the far post.

Independent

That would just about describe Weekley, who had this description of his first round at Augusta National: "Well, we just walked around out there and hit it, just like any other golf course.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just about to describe" when you want to emphasize the immediacy of your explanation or depiction. It signals that the description is forthcoming and relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "just about to describe" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "about to explain" or "on the verge of describing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about to describe" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action that is imminently going to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just about to describe" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating that a description is imminent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it appears mostly in neutral contexts like news and media. Alternative expressions include "about to explain" or "on the verge of describing", which can be used to add variety to your writing. When using this phrase, remember that emphasizing the immediacy of your explanation is the key point. Overuse can lead to repetition, so consider varying your phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about to explain

Replaces "describe" with "explain", focusing on clarifying rather than detailing.

on the verge of describing

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing the proximity to the act of describing.

on the point of describing

Similar to "on the verge", but highlights the exact moment before describing.

ready to depict

Substitutes "describe" with "depict", suggesting a more visual or artistic representation.

preparing to detail

Replaces "describe" with "detail", indicating a thorough and comprehensive explanation.

going to illustrate

Uses "illustrate" instead of "describe", implying the use of examples or visual aids.

set to delineate

A more formal alternative, where "delineate" suggests outlining or defining with precision.

intending to portray

Replaces "describe" with "portray", suggesting a representation of something, often with a specific perspective.

aiming to characterize

Focuses on identifying and highlighting the key characteristics of something.

planning to represent

Suggests a more deliberate and strategic approach to conveying information.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "just about to describe"?

Alternatives include "about to explain", "on the verge of describing", or "ready to depict", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "just about to describe" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that someone is on the verge of providing a description.

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

While both phrases are similar, "just about to describe" emphasizes the immediacy of the action more strongly than simply "about to describe".

Can I use "just about to describe" in formal writing?

Yes, although it is more common in neutral or informal contexts, "just about to describe" can be used in formal writing when you want to convey the imminence of a description.