Form:
be about + infinitive
The infinitive = “to” + the base form of a verb.
Meaning:
To describe something that we expect to happen very soon.
It refers to the immediate future.
Examples:
The bus is about to leave.
(The bus is going to leave very soon.)
Manager: The meeting is about to start. Where is everyone?
Jane: Could you help me with the sales report?
Sarah: I’m about to leave. Can we do this tomorrow?
Customer: What is the price of the laser printer?
Supplier: I am about to send you an email with all of our prices.
be just about
Form:
be just about + infinitive
Meaning:
The word “just” emphasises that the future action is very very soon. Probably in the next few seconds.
Example:
Jane: Let’s watch this TV show.
Mark: No sorry, I’m just about to go to bed.
past form of “be” + “about”
Form:
past form of be + about + infinitive
Meaning:
Something that was going to happen but did not happen.
Examples:
Clare: I was about to eat when you invited me for a drink.
Jane: Hi Sarah!
Sarah: Hi Jane! I was just about to call you.
More English lessons
Adjectives ending in ING and ED
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Reflexive pronouns and intensive pronouns
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Conditionals in English
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Mary Coultas Gomez says
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Thank you so much for your help to many people around the world