Related Forms
about (adjective) | about (preposition) | about (adverb)
Core Definition
About as an adjective describes a state of imminence or near readiness, indicating that something is on the point of happening or almost completed.
Key Examples
The train is about ready to leave.
She was about to answer the question.
The project is about complete.
They were about finished with their work.
Pronunciation
UK: /əˈbaʊt/
US: /əˈbaʊt/
Stress: second syllable — a-BOUT.
Common learner note: in adjective use, about appears mainly in fixed constructions.
Part of Speech
Adjective.
Frequency & Register
CEFR Level: B1–C2.
Register: neutral; frequent in spoken and narrative English.
Extended Meaning
As an adjective, about emphasizes timing and immediacy, not action itself. It highlights that an event or state is very close to occurring.
About may describe:
- imminent action (about to start),
- near readiness (about ready),
- near completion (about finished),
- transition into an event (about to change).
Overall, about frames moments that sit directly before action or completion.
Usage Overview
About as an adjective is typically used in predicative position after the verb be. It commonly appears in situations where the speaker wants to stress anticipation, readiness, or an action that is just about to happen.
The tone is neutral and natural, often used in storytelling, explanation, and everyday speech to mark critical moments.
Grammar Notes
The most common structure is be about to + base verb.
She is about to leave.
It also appears with adjectives of completion or readiness.
The work is about finished.
About is not used before nouns in adjective position.
Patterns
be about to + verb
about to begin
be about ready
about ready to go
be about finished / complete
about finished
Collocations
about to start
about to leave
about ready
about finished
Everyone was about to panic.
Dialogues
Everyday
A: Are you leaving now?
B: Yes, I’m about to go.
Professional
A: Can we begin the meeting?
B: We’re about to start.
Narrative
A: What happened next?
B: She was about to speak when the phone rang.
Informal
A: Is the job done?
B: It’s about finished.
Stories
Early in the morning, the neighbors were about, moving through the streets as the town slowly woke up. Shops opened their doors, and people headed to work with calm, familiar routines. The atmosphere felt active but peaceful.
During the afternoon, students were about the campus, walking between buildings and carrying their books. Some talked about lessons, while others hurried to their next class. The place felt lively and organized.
In the evening, he noticed that many people were still about despite the long and tiring day. Children continued to play outside near their homes, enjoying the last moments of daylight. Adults walked through the streets at a slower pace, talking calmly and sharing thoughts from the day. Cars passed quietly, and lights began to appear in the windows one by one. The city felt active, lived in, and comfortably settled into the night.
Mini Test
The presentation is ______ to begin.
Answer: about
Choose the correct form:
She was about (to leave / leaving).
Answer: to leave
True or False: About as an adjective can be used before a noun.
Answer: False
Write one sentence using about to show imminence.
Sample answer: They were about to announce the results.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms
almost — nearly completed
nearly — very close
on the verge — about to happen
Antonyms
completed — fully finished
delayed — postponed
distant — far in time
Semantic Field
about vs. almost — imminence vs. near completion
about vs. ready — timing vs. preparedness
about vs. soon — state vs. general future
Word Family
about — preposition — relation or topic
about — adverb — approximation
about — adjective — imminent or nearly ready
FAQ
Is about always followed by “to”?
Often, but it can also describe readiness or near completion.
Is this usage formal?
It is neutral and suitable for most contexts.
Can about refer to the past?
Yes, when combined with past forms of be.
Does about mean the action already happened?
No, it means it is just about to happen.
Conclusion
About as an adjective captures moments of immediacy, readiness, and near completion, allowing speakers to describe situations that are on the verge of happening. It is especially effective for highlighting timing, anticipation, and transition without focusing on the action itself. Because of its natural tone and fixed structures, this use of about plays a key role in everyday narration, professional description, and expressive storytelling.
“The adjective about reminds us that many important moments in life exist in transition rather than completion. Decisions, changes, and actions often matter most not when they are finished, but when they are about to happen. Language reflects this human sensitivity to anticipation, showing how closely thought, timing, and awareness are connected.”