we are about to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "We are about to start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when one is trying to express that something is about to begin, usually relatively soon. For example, "We are about to start dinner, so please come to the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

We are about to start the cycle again.

The Washington Post

Well, we are about to start finding out.

The Guardian - Business

Let's hope we are about to start living in one of those times.

Independent

Plus we have new songs that we are about to start playing.

Independent

We are about to start a clinical trail using psilocybin to treat depression, which feels historic.

The Guardian

The tour we are about to start is the heart of the matter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

I think we really are about to start the move back into our own place.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The cast are about to start filming the third series, while we are about to start watching the second.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We saw that the war was about to start and we left.

The New York Times

"We didn't know a war was about to start.

The Guardian

We're about to start book two.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. If a more formal tone is required, consider alternatives like "we will commence shortly".

Common error

While "we are about to start" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in close succession. Vary your language by using synonyms like "we're getting ready to begin" or "we'll commence shortly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are about to start" functions primarily as a declarative statement indicating an imminent action. It serves to inform an audience that something is on the verge of beginning. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used across various contexts to signal the commencement of an event, task, or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are about to start" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for indicating the imminent beginning of an activity or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Its neutral register and common usage across news, business, and general contexts make it a versatile choice for various communication scenarios. While alternatives exist for more formal or specific nuances, "we are about to start" remains a clear and effective way to signal an upcoming commencement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are on the verge of starting

Expresses a sense of being very close to the beginning, emphasizing the imminence.

we're just about to begin

An informal way of saying something is about to start.

we are getting ready to start

Highlights the preparation aspect before starting something.

we're set to initiate

A more formal way of saying something will begin, emphasizing the act of starting.

we will commence shortly

A more formal way of saying something will begin soon.

we stand ready to begin

A formal expression indicating readiness and willingness to start.

we're kicking off soon

An idiomatic and informal way of saying something will start soon, often used for events or projects.

we anticipate beginning shortly

Emphasizes the expectation of starting soon.

the start is imminent

Focuses on the proximity of the start, often used in contexts where timing is critical.

we're nearing the beginning

Highlights the progress towards the start, suitable when the start is close but not immediate.

FAQs

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

You can use "we are about to start" to indicate the immediate beginning of an activity. For example, "We are about to start the meeting, so please take your seats" or "We are about to start serving dinner".

What is a more formal alternative to "we are about to start"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we will commence shortly" or "we are set to initiate". These options provide a more professional and polished feel.

Is it correct to say "we're about to start" instead of "we are about to start"?

Yes, "we're about to start" is a perfectly acceptable contraction of "we are about to start". It is more informal but equally conveys the same meaning.

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

While both phrases indicate a future beginning, "we are about to start" implies a more immediate action compared to "we are going to start". The latter suggests a plan or intention to begin at some point, while the former suggests it's happening very soon. Consider using "we are getting ready to start" for a more gradual anticipation.