just about to set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about to set" 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: "The sun is just about to set, casting a beautiful orange glow across the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The girl had been just about to set out for a barbershop when the bomb fell.

The New Yorker

Apparently he turned down the opportunity to go to the 1930 World Cup because he was just about to set up a new business.

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps you've got a ticket yourself and are just about to set off from home for the festival, in which case, don't worry too much about the weather.

The Guardian - Music

With his strong gaze and open-necked striped shirt, his shelves crammed with agriculture books and box files, his line of jars filled with brightly coloured seeds on a table against the wall, and his slightly impatient body language, as if just about to set off on another of his frequent trips to Africa or Asia, he seems a little like a high-minded Victorian explorer.

The Guardian

We shared lunch with the family, and were just about to set off again, when we encountered a problem.

BBC

They have no problem with working with the idea they're actually talking to Shackleton who's just about to set off across Antarctica.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I'll say the word to myself just as I'm about to set the shot and this usually helps my concentration".

The Guardian - Sport

You have bought your plane tickets and sorted out your accommodation but then, just days before you are about to set off on holiday, Airbnb suddenly cancels your booking with no explanation, wrecking your plans.

The Guardian - Tech

Just as the soldiers are about to set her on fire, the scene cuts to a government office.

The New York Times - Arts

NASEER: "We were just about to, about to set it off [test an explosive] innit and the drones come on top of us".

BBC

Bilbo took out the envelope, but just as he was about to set it by the clock, his hand jerked back, and the packet fell on the floor.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just about to set" to create a sense of anticipation or immediacy in your writing. It effectively conveys that something is on the verge of happening.

Common error

Avoid using "just about to set" when describing events that have already occurred. It implies an immediate future action, so ensure the context aligns with something imminent, not something already completed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about to set" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the timing or immediacy of an action. It specifies that an event is on the cusp of occurring. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage in various contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying near-future action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just about to set" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that an action is on the verge of happening. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. While not as common as other similar expressions, it effectively conveys immediacy and anticipation across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, ensure the tense and context align with this sense of imminence to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of starting

Focuses on the imminence of beginning an action.

on the point of beginning

Emphasizes the precise moment before an action commences.

about to commence

Highlights the formal start or initiation of something.

nearing the start

Indicates the approach of an action's commencement.

close to beginning

Suggests that the start is imminent and near.

on the brink of setting off

Emphasizes the precariousness and excitement of initiating a journey or action.

nearly ready to begin

Focuses on the state of preparedness immediately before starting.

almost on the point of setting off

Highlights the closeness to initiating a journey or action.

just on the verge of taking off

Refers to something about to become extremely popular.

on the cusp of launching

Implies the very edge of making something known or initiating something.

FAQs

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

You can use "just about to set" to describe something that is on the verge of happening. For example, "The sun was "just about to set", painting the sky with vibrant colors."

What are some alternatives to saying "just about to set"?

Alternatives include phrases like "on the verge of starting", "about to commence", or "on the point of beginning". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing an alternative.

Is there a difference between "about to set" and "just about to set"?

While both indicate an imminent action, "just about to set" intensifies the immediacy. "About to set" is a general indication, whereas "just about to set" emphasizes that it's happening very soon.

When is it inappropriate to use "just about to set"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "just about to set" when describing events in the distant past or actions that are not immediate. It works best when something is on the cusp of occurring.