just about to protest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about to protest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is on the verge of expressing dissent or objection to something. Example: "She was just about to protest the unfair decision when the meeting was abruptly adjourned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'm just about to protest when she starts laughing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We just have to protest and say we refuse it.

BBC

They had a lot to protest about.

The Economist

The party feels bound to protest about judicial bias.

The Economist

And there is no shortage of things to protest about.

The Economist

The anti-World Cup protests will not go away because there is plenty to protest about.

BBC

He is a protest candidate in a country with a lot to protest about.

Forbes

War critics are concerned about today's sentencing of 16 defendants arrested just over a year ago for lying down on Fifth Avenue to protest Israel's treatment of Palestinians.

The New York Times

Being largely of a generation accustomed to copying and pasting other people's ideas as their own, the members of Anonymous didn't hesitate to adopt the mask for their real world pranks, using it first to protest the Church of Scientology — and now to protest just about anything else.

TechCrunch

Just about anything — protesting against world hunger; getting a laugh out of words like "nooky"; dispensing wisdom; dying — is easier than real comedy.

The New Yorker

The sight of hordes of lawyers, in wigs and gowns, brandishing placards on a protest march just about retains the power to shock: an un-English and somewhat surreal spectacle, the decorum of the courtroom turned upside down.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just about to protest" to create a sense of immediacy or anticipation regarding an impending expression of dissent. For example, "The crowd was just about to protest when the speaker announced a change in policy."

Common error

Avoid using "just about to protest" when a more assertive or definitive statement is required. For instance, if the protest has already begun, use "protesting" or "in the act of protesting" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about to protest" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating an action that is on the verge of occurring. It describes a state of near-readiness to express dissent or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just about to protest" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the imminence of a protest. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable phrase. While examples are relatively rare, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of anticipation. Consider alternatives like "on the verge of protesting" for nuanced expression. Remember to use it when highlighting the near start of an act of disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of protesting

Emphasizes the proximity to the act of protesting, highlighting the potential for immediate action.

about to object

Focuses on the act of objecting as the primary action being undertaken.

on the point of demonstrating

Highlights the act of demonstrating as the form of protest.

ready to dissent

Stresses the willingness and preparedness to express disagreement.

intending to challenge

Highlights the intention to question or dispute something.

planning to voice opposition

Focuses on the planned expression of disagreement.

preparing to remonstrate

Indicates a formal and serious expression of protest or disapproval.

going to raise objections

Emphasizes the action of bringing up concerns or disagreements.

set to lodge a protest

Highlights the formal act of submitting a protest.

nearing the act of objecting

Focuses on the temporal proximity to objecting.

FAQs

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

Use "just about to protest" to indicate that someone is on the verge of expressing disagreement or objection. For example: "She was "just about to protest" the decision when she was interrupted".

What's a less formal way to say "just about to protest"?

Informally, you might say someone was "going to complain" or "about to kick up a fuss". However, these alternatives lack the specific connotation of a formal or organized "protest".

Are there more formal alternatives to "just about to protest"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "on the verge of dissenting" or "preparing to lodge a formal objection". These options convey a more serious and official tone than ""just about to protest"".

Is "just about to protest" the same as "about to protest"?

Yes, "just about to" emphasizes the immediacy, but "about to protest" conveys the same basic meaning: the action is imminent. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.