be about to
I was about to leave when the phone rang.
The speaker was on the verge of departing when the call came in.
to be on the verge of doing something very soon
She is about to start her presentation.
She will begin her presentation immediately.
We were about to eat dinner when the guests arrived.
We were on the point of having dinner when the guests came.
Used to indicate something will happen in the immediate future. Often followed by a verb in the infinitive form (to + base verb).
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'about to' as a preposition
Do not confuse this phrase with 'about to' used in contexts like 'I am about my business' (meaning engaged in an activity). The phrase 'be about to' always indicates imminence.
Gold Rule
Immediate future only
The phrase 'be about to' strictly refers to actions that will occur in the very near future. It cannot be used for distant future events.
Followed by infinitive
Always use 'be about to' with a verb in the infinitive form (to + base verb). Incorrect: 'I am about leaving.' Correct: 'I am about to leave.'
Word Origin
The phrase combines the verb 'be' with 'about' (from Old English 'onbutan', meaning 'on the outside of') and 'to' (indicating direction). The construction emerged in Middle English as a way to express imminence.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both spoken and written English to describe future actions that are expected to occur very soon. It does not imply a specific time frame but suggests immediacy. Often used in narratives to create tension or urgency.