might be imminent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be imminent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something is likely to happen soon or is approaching. Example: "The storm might be imminent, so we should prepare for possible power outages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A wicket might be imminent if he keeps this up.

The Guardian - Sport

My own view was certainly darker, knowing that a police raid might be imminent.

The New Yorker

Some of them think another kind of change might be imminent.

The Economist

His press officer notices that people have started tweeting that the royal baby might be imminent.

The Guardian

The Twitter account chronicling "Op KKK" hinted on 15 October that more doxxing might be imminent.

The Guardian - Tech

He said detectives were now drawing up an arrest strategy, suggesting arrests might be imminent.

The Guardian

Next came a warning from the F.B.I., without particulars, that more terrorist incidents might be imminent.

The New York Times

Officials said other intelligence suggested that an attack against passenger planes might be imminent.

The New York Times

The White House sought to dampen speculation that a decision on where to hold a trial might be imminent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, Pakistani officials said nothing on Thursday suggesting that such tough action might be imminent.

The New York Times

Speculation was high that his resignation might be imminent.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be imminent" when you want to convey a sense of something impending, often with a degree of uncertainty or anticipation. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, adding a touch of sophistication without being overly verbose.

Common error

While "might be imminent" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "is coming soon" might be more appropriate to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be imminent" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is likely to happen soon. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be imminent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that suggests something is likely to occur soon. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and adaptable. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias contexts, it maintains a formal yet accessible tone. Remember to use it judiciously in informal settings, opting for simpler language when appropriate. Alternatives such as "could be impending" or "may be forthcoming" can provide slight variations in meaning or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be impending

Replaces "might" with "could", suggesting a possibility, and "imminent" with "impending", emphasizing the sense of looming or threatening.

may be forthcoming

Uses "may" instead of "might", indicating possibility, and replaces "imminent" with "forthcoming", which suggests something is about to appear or occur.

is on the horizon

This is a more figurative expression, implying something is approaching but not necessarily immediately.

is in the offing

An idiomatic expression meaning something is likely to happen soon; less formal than "might be imminent".

is about to happen

A simpler, more direct way of saying something will occur very soon, lacking the formal tone of "imminent".

is close at hand

Suggests something is nearby and will happen soon, often implying convenience or ease.

looms

A more dramatic, often negative, way of saying something is approaching and will soon be a reality.

is just around the corner

An informal idiom indicating that an event is very near in time.

is brewing

Suggests something is developing and about to emerge, often used for conflicts or problems.

is shaping up

Implies that something is developing and taking form, suggesting that the final outcome is nearing.

FAQs

How can I use "might be imminent" in a sentence?

You can use "might be imminent" to indicate that something is likely to happen soon. For example, "Given the rising tensions, a conflict "might be imminent"".

What are some alternatives to "might be imminent"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could be impending", "may be forthcoming", or "is on the horizon", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "might be imminent" or "will be imminent"?

"Might be imminent" suggests a possibility or likelihood, while "will be imminent" implies certainty. Choose based on the level of certainty you wish to express. If you want to use a phrase with certainty you can try with "will be imminent".

What is the difference between "imminent" and "eminent"?

"Imminent" means about to happen, while "eminent" means distinguished or respected. They are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. Make sure you don't want to say "is eminent".