just about to happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about to happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or action that is imminent or expected to occur very soon. Example: "The storm is just about to happen, so we should take cover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Or, it's just about to happen.

The Guardian

You always think something exciting is just about to happen.

The New Yorker

"It was a huge catastrophe just about to happen," he said.

The New York Times

Maybe it was the frays, genes or both, but I have always been haunted by the sense that something terrible was just about to happen.

The New York Times

"There have been seven disasters since humans came on the earth, very similar to the one that's just about to happen.

The Guardian

"Gone Home has an implicit narrative," says Barrett. "You've either just missed the action or it's just about to happen and you're suspended in-between".

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

So strap yourself in dear reader, because a positive review might just be about to happen.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Whenever he did so, instead of my visualising all the more clearly the sex that just was about to happen, I kept imagining a vegetable stall".

Independent

But that's the point with oil spills: there's always one happening, or just happened, or about to happen.

The Guardian - Books

But predictions aren't just about what's about to happen in Los Angeles.

Vice

Just as that was about to happen, the support has been cut and the industry left to fend for itself.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just about to happen" to create a sense of anticipation or immediacy in your writing. It's effective for describing situations where the outcome is pending and attention is focused on the present moment.

Common error

Avoid using "just about to happen" when describing static scenes or situations that are not actively progressing towards a specific event. It's better suited for dynamic scenarios with a clear sense of impending action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about to happen" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating an event or action that is on the cusp of occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It often modifies a noun or clause, adding a sense of immediacy and anticipation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just about to happen" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe an event on the verge of occurring. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science, conveying immediacy and anticipation. When writing, use it to highlight dynamic situations where the outcome is pending, but avoid overuse in static descriptions. Related phrases like "on the verge of happening" or "imminent" can provide alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of happening

Emphasizes being at the very edge or brink of an event occurring.

about to occur

A more formal and direct way of saying something is going to happen soon.

on the point of happening

Highlights that the event is at its final stage before materializing.

imminent

Implies that an event is close and unavoidable.

approaching rapidly

Suggests the event is quickly getting closer.

in the offing

Indicates that something is likely to happen in the near future.

coming up soon

A more casual way of expressing that an event is nearing.

on the horizon

Uses a metaphorical image to describe something expected in the future.

in the cards

Suggests an event is very likely based on current circumstances.

drawing near

Implies that an event is gradually getting closer.

FAQs

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

You can use "just about to happen" to describe an event that is on the verge of occurring. For example, "The meeting was "just about to happen" when the fire alarm went off".

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

Alternatives include "on the verge of happening", "about to occur", or "imminent". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "just about to happen" or "just happened"?

"Just about to happen" refers to something that is going to occur very soon, while "just happened" describes something that has recently occurred. The correct choice depends on whether the event is in the future or the past.

What is the difference between "just about to happen" and "going to happen"?

"Just about to happen" implies a greater sense of immediacy than "going to happen". "Just about to happen" suggests the event is imminent, whereas "going to happen" simply indicates a future occurrence.