just about to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about to start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing something that is on the verge of beginning. For example, "We were just about to start serving dinner when the power went out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(8) I'm just about to start filming again, at the end of August.

The Guardian - Music

I'm just about to start my third year of early-retirement and part-time study, and my first academic paper is soon to be published.

The Guardian - Opinion

J, Cumbria: I'm just about to start my second round of IVF, and as mad as it sounds I wish it wasn't available/invented.

BBC

[email protected] 9 27 listen hun, I'm just about to start my webcam show with jen, come chat me there in my chat room?

TechCrunch

I'm just about to start believing when the ancestors ruin it by talking to us.

Vice

Gleason was just about to start college.

The New Yorker

Instead, it is just about to start.

The Guardian

It is also just about to start operations in Asia.

The Guardian

11.19am: The Conservative manifesto launch is just about to start.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Books

Zucker wants to go over the new fall shows, which are just about to start production.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just about to start" to convey a sense of immediacy or anticipation, indicating that something is on the verge of commencing. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

In highly formal writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "on the verge of commencing" or "about to begin" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about to start" functions as a verbal phrase indicating imminent action. It modifies a verb, specifying that the action is on the verge of commencing. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts to express near-future events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just about to start" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that an action is on the verge of beginning. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While generally neutral in register, more formal contexts might benefit from synonyms like "about to commence". Its function is to convey immediacy and anticipation. Remember to use it to give a higher degree of immediacy in different contexts. Frequent contexts include News & Media and Science. Alternatives like "on the verge of starting" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of starting

Replaces "just about" with "on the verge", emphasizing imminence.

on the brink of starting

Emphasizes that the action is very close to happening, almost inevitable.

on the point of starting

Uses "on the point" to highlight the closeness to the action.

about to commence

Substitutes "start" with the more formal "commence".

ready to begin

Focuses on the preparedness aspect, indicating readiness.

close to starting

Uses "close to" to show proximity in time to the beginning.

set to start

Indicates that arrangements have been made and the action is scheduled.

on the threshold of starting

Highlights the action is at the entrance of something.

nearing the start

Highlights the process of approaching the beginning of something.

at the starting gate

Emphasizes the idea of immediate readiness, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

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

You can use "just about to start" to indicate that an action is on the verge of beginning. For example, "The meeting is "just about to start", so please take your seats."

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

Alternatives include "on the verge of starting", "about to begin", or "on the point of starting", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

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

While generally acceptable, "just about to start" may be perceived as slightly informal. For highly formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "about to commence" or "on the brink of starting".

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

"Just about to start" implies a higher degree of immediacy than "going to start". "Just about to start" suggests the action will begin almost immediately, while "going to start" indicates a future intention or plan that may not be as imminent.