How to use the expression "to be about"

Today we’re going to look at a common structure in English: “to be about to”. If you are about to do something, you intend to do it immediately/very soon or are on the point of doing it.

It is a very commonly used structure in English and can be used in different simple tenses. You just need to conjugate the verb “to be”. 

Remember that we often use contractions in informal writing and conversation.

The verb after “about to” is always in the base form, i.e., the infinitive without “to”.

Look at some examples in different tenses:

Are you free to talk or are you about to have dinner?(the present simple)

I’m about to have dinner. I’ll call you later.(the present simple)

He was about to do his homework when the phone rang. He ended up chatting to his girlfriend for an hour instead of studying.

I was about to call him when he called me!(the past simple)

When you receive this postcard, you’ll be about to go on holiday yourself. Have an amazing time!(the future with “will”)

If we come over to see the kids at eight this evening, is it too late? Will they be about to go to bed?(the future with “will”)

He had been about to ask her out for dinner when he saw her face and changed his mind.(the past perfect)

The week is about to start ? Have a great week and don’t forget we start our PET, FIRST, and CAE in October.