| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
be about to [biː əˈbaʊt tuː] | to be on the point of doing something (imminent future) |
Other meanings
- to be ready to do something
- to be likely to happen immediately
- used to say one almost did something
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "be about to"
- I'm about to leave.
- She was about to call you when the phone rang.
- They're about to announce the results.
- I was about to say the same thing.
- Don't worry — dinner is about to be ready.
Features of Using "be about to"
Separability:Inseparable
Transitivity:Intransitive
Level:A2
Used to indicate that an action will happen very soon. It is followed by the base form of a verb (e.g., be about to + do). It behaves like a semi-modal expression and does not take a direct object. It commonly appears with contracted forms (I'm, we're, he's, etc.) and can express annoyance or surprise in contexts like "I was about to..."
Other phrasal verbs with the verb be
be back
to have returned to a place
be away
to be absent or not at home
be in
to be at home or in a particular place
be against
to oppose or disagree with someone or something
be on
to take place
be behind
to be late or delayed
be for
to support or favor something
be out
to be absent or not at home
be into
to be interested in or enthusiastic about something or someone
be down
to not be working or functioning
be after
to try to obtain or pursue someone or something
be off
to leave or depart
be along
to arrive soon
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb be, including its forms and usage.