“I was about to + verb” is used when you planned to do something, but something stopped you. It shows that an action was going to happen very soon, but it did not happen.
We use this expression in daily conversations. For example, you wanted to call a friend, but they called you first. Or you were ready to leave the house, but it started raining.
It is very common in spoken English. Native speakers use it to talk about sudden changes, interruptions, or last-minute situations.
This structure helps you sound more natural and confident in conversations.
◎ Important Points
- It talks about the past.
- The action was going to happen very soon.
- The action usually did NOT happen.
- Always use the base form of the verb (no “-ing”).
- It is commonly used in daily spoken English.
- It often shows interruption or sudden change.
- It makes your storytelling more natural.
➤Key Concept
✅Subject + was/were + about to + base verb
Example:
I was about to call you.
Main Concept (Simple Explanation)
Use this structure when you were ready to do something, but something stopped you.
🎯 Speaking Tip:
Stress the word “about” slightly when speaking to sound more natural:
“I was about to leave.”
➤ Common Mistakes To Avoid
| Common Mistake | Wrong Example | Correct Example |
|---|---|---|
| Using present tense | I am about to called you. | I was about to call you. |
| Using verb + ing | I was about to going home. | I was about to go home. |
| Forgetting “to” | I was about call you. | I was about to call you. |
| Using past verb form | I was about to went there. | I was about to go there. |
| Wrong verb “is” for past | She is about to leave when I arrived. | She was about to leave when I arrived. |
➤ Examples
- I was about to message you!
- She was about to leave the office when her boss called her.
- We were about to start dinner when the guests arrived.
- He was about to sleep when his phone rang.
- I was about to book the tickets, but the price increased.
- They were about to fight, but their friend stopped them.
- I was about to say the same thing!
- The train was about to leave when we reached the station.
- She was about to cry, but she controlled herself.
- I was about to order coffee when I saw you.
➤ Practice Examples
A. Fill in the blanks
- I was about to ______ (leave) the house.
- She was about to ______ (call) her mother.
- We were about to ______ (start) the meeting.
- He was about to ______ (buy) the car.
- They were about to ______ (watch) a movie.
B. Change the incorrect sentence to correct one
- I was about to going home.
- She was about to called you.
- They were about start the game.
- He was about to ate dinner.
- We was about to leave.
C. Speak This Sentence Aloud
Practice speaking these clearly and confidently:
- I was about to call you.
- She was about to leave.
- We were about to start.
- He was about to speak.
- They were about to travel.
