just about to get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about to get" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is on the verge of happening or about to occur very soon. Example: "I was just about to get ready for the meeting when the phone rang."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

I'm just about to get the AirPort Express device so I can listen to iTunes through my surround sound system downstairs.

The Guardian - Tech

I'm just about to get on a flight to Beijing, was hoping I'd be sitting there with a happy "finally!" smile on my face, now I'm going to be sitting there wondering which way it's gone by the time I land.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm just about to get organised for a staff meeting this afternoon.

BBC

Last few minutes and while they may yet end that run of eight successive defeats this game is now so stretched we could yet get a winner from either side". James Haworth: As a Blackburn fan, I can tell you I'm just about to get the party poppers out and put the banners up.

BBC

2.59pm: We're just about to get underway.

The Guardian - Sport

He was just about to get on a plane.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Life might just be about to get flipped upside down. .

Huffington Post

"Just about to go get my haircut for my mission.

Huffington Post

Robinson says: "I panicked, but just about managed to get them together.

The Guardian

"I was just about [trying to get] pregnant then.

The Guardian - Film

It's just about impossible to get lost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just about to get" to create a sense of anticipation or immediacy in your writing. It effectively communicates that something is on the verge of happening, engaging the reader with the unfolding action.

Common error

While versatile, relying too heavily on "just about to get" can make formal writing sound less polished. In such cases, consider stronger verbs or more precise phrasing to convey the same meaning with greater impact. Instead of "The agreement is just about to get finalized", try "The agreement will be finalized shortly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about to get" functions as a compound verbal phrase indicating an action or state that is imminent. Ludwig shows its use in diverse contexts, signaling an event on the verge of occurring.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just about to get" is a common and correct way to express that something is on the verge of happening. According to Ludwig, this phrase enjoys broad applicability across news, business, and general contexts. While grammatically sound, it's essential to consider the formality of the context and ensure the phrase aligns with the overall tone. If a more formal or impactful expression is needed, alternatives like "on the verge of getting" or "about to receive" may be more fitting. Despite its versatility, avoid overuse and be mindful of more precise phrasing for more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of getting

Emphasizes the nearness to the point of acquiring or experiencing something.

about to receive

Focuses on the imminent act of receiving something.

on the point of obtaining

Highlights the imminence of gaining or securing something.

on the brink of acquiring

Stresses that something is very close to being obtained, often implying a significant achievement.

nearly going to obtain

Indicates something is almost obtained, focusing on the action of obtaining.

close to securing

Highlights the nearness of successfully securing something.

at the threshold of getting

Emphasizes being right at the entrance or beginning of acquiring something.

on the cusp of receiving

Implies that something is at the very edge of being received.

ready to secure

Highlights readiness as well as certainty about an action or process.

nearing to secure

Highlights the nearing event.

FAQs

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

The phrase "just about to get" indicates that something is on the verge of happening. For example, you might say, "I was "just about to get" started on my homework when my friend called."

What are some alternatives to "just about to get"?

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

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

No, "just about to gotten" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "just about to get", as "get" is the base form of the verb following "to".

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

"Just about to get" implies that something is going to happen very soon, while "already got" indicates that something has already happened and is in one's possession.