Use be about to plus the base verb for something about to happen very soon, as in the plane is about to take off, be on the point of plus a gerund for the same idea more formally, and be due to plus the base verb for a scheduled future event, as in the train is due to arrive at platform four.
Grammar Rule
These expressions describe actions expected very soon, but follow different grammar patterns after them.
Immediate/Scheduled Future: Rules and Examples
| Expression | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| be about to | + base verb | The plane is about to take off. |
| be on the point of | + gerund | She was on the point of resigning when they offered her a promotion. |
| be due to | + base verb (scheduled) | The train is due to arrive at platform four. |
Remember: about to + base verb; on the point of + gerund; due to + base verb (scheduled, not because of).
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using be about to, be on the point of, or be due to correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
B2-30. Be about to / On the point of / Due to
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you express something about to happen very soon?
Use be about to plus the base verb, as in the plane is about to take off.
What follows be on the point of?
A gerund, as in she was on the point of resigning when they offered her a promotion.
How do you express a scheduled future event?
Use be due to plus the base verb, as in the train is due to arrive at platform four.
Does due to always mean scheduled in these structures?
In this pattern, be due to refers to a scheduled event, not the cause-and-effect meaning of due to as because of.