B2Future

Be about to, be due to and other future expressions

Use alternative future structures to express imminence, schedules, expectation and formal plans precisely.

Overview

What this grammar does

Use alternative future structures to express imminence, schedules, expectation and formal plans precisely.

Form and rules

How it works

Be about to + base verb means something is expected to happen very soon: The meeting is about to start.

Be due to + base verb commonly describes a scheduled/expected event: The train is due to arrive at 8:20.

Be set to + base verb means something is expected or arranged to happen, especially in news/formal contexts.

Be on the point/verge of + -ing means very close to an action or change.

Be to + infinitive can describe formal arrangements, instructions or official plans: The minister is to visit Rome.

A closer look

Meaning and use

Be on the point/verge of + -ing means very close to an action or change.

Be to + infinitive can describe formal arrangements, instructions or official plans: The minister is to visit Rome.

Examples

See the pattern in complete sentences

The film is about to begin.

The flight is due to land at 14:30.

Prices are set to increase next month.

She was on the point of leaving when he called.

The president is to meet union leaders on Friday.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

Hurry up. The train is on verge to leave.

Hurry up. The train is about to leave.

Be about to + base verb expresses an imminent event.

The parcel is due arriving tomorrow morning.

The parcel is due to arrive tomorrow morning.

Be due to is followed by the infinitive.

Ready to practise?

The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.

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