just about to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about to read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is on the verge of starting to read something, often implying a sense of anticipation or immediacy. Example: "I was just about to read the new novel when the phone rang."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I'm just about to read them.

The Guardian - Sport

I was just about to read it — I don't know, I wanted to read it — when Karen, wild-eyed, hopped down from the back of the bus.

The New Yorker

I stumbled upon it in the Austin public library and was just about to read the thing when alas, somebody put in a call for it and I had to return it.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

After placing the first line of text after an ad at the top of the display, the ad placement is readjusted, and covers the first few lines that I just was about to read.

The New Yorker

The word was out that world-shaking claims were being made, not just about how to read a poem but about language and interpretation and meaning — ultimately, about knowledge, which is what universities are in business to produce.

The New Yorker

Just about enough to read.

Independent

He was a child with "grapho-motor issues," which means that no matter how hard he tried, his handwriting was just about impossible to read.

The New York Times

And while we're at it, the drivers could be a bit more diligent in calling out stops, especially at night (especially rainy ones), when it is just about impossible to read street signs.

The New York Times

"I saw Teddy Roosevelt, I was probably 16, 17 years old, at the fairground in Morrisville, Vt., and he made a speech, and he wasn't just something to read about in the paper," Mr. Tillotson once told National Public Radio.

The New York Times

Just about to start reading 'The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year'.

The Guardian - Books

But like adults, children don't just want to read about themselves.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just about to read" when you want to convey a sense of immediacy, indicating that the act of reading is about to begin at any moment. It's perfect for emphasizing anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "just about to read" when the action is planned for the future but not immediately imminent. Use "going to read" instead if the timing is less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about to read" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action that is on the immediate horizon. It suggests a state of readiness and anticipation, as demonstrated by the examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just about to read" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to convey the imminent commencement of reading. Ludwig AI indicates it's suitable for neutral contexts, with examples primarily found in News & Media. While alternatives like "on the verge of reading" exist for more formal situations, "just about to read" effectively communicates immediacy and intention. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its inherent suggestion of an action about to begin.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of reading

Emphasizes the closeness to the act of reading but is slightly more formal.

on the point of reading

Similar to "on the verge of", but slightly less common.

on the brink of reading

Similar to "on the verge of", suggesting a critical point before reading.

about to commence reading

More formal and emphasizes the start of the reading activity.

all set to read

Emphasizes complete readiness to read, adding a sense of anticipation.

ready to read

Indicates preparedness for reading, lacking the immediacy of "just about to read".

set to read

Suggests a planned or scheduled reading, reducing the sense of spontaneity.

going to read

More general and doesn't necessarily imply immediacy.

preparing to read

Focuses on the preparation process rather than the immediate action.

starting to read

Indicates the beginning of the act, not necessarily the immediate start.

FAQs

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

You can use "just about to read" to indicate an action you are on the verge of starting. For example: "I was "just about to read" the report when the meeting started."

What's a more formal way to say "just about to read"?

A more formal alternative is "on the verge of reading". For example: "She was "on the verge of reading" the document when she was interrupted."

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

"Just about to read" implies immediate action, while "going to read" suggests a plan for the future, without the same sense of urgency. It's like the difference between saying that you are "about to read" and intending to read later.

Is "just about to read" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "just about to read" leans towards a neutral register. In highly formal writing, consider using alternatives like "on the point of reading" for added formality.